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^^Irf'^i^v^wt^  iSft'w^'^*-^. 


THE 

CHARGES^ 

OF 

JEAN  BAPTISTS  MASSILLON, 

BISHOP    OF    CLERMONT. 

ADDRESSED  TO  HIS  CLERGY. 

ALSO, 

TWO  ESSAYS : 

THE   ONE 

ON  THE  ART  OF  PREACHING, 

FROM  THE  FRENCH  OF  M.  REYBAZ, 

AND  THE  OTHER  ON 

THE  COMPOSITION  OF  A  SERMON, 

AS   ADAP  TED    TO 

THE  CHURCH  OF  ENGLAND, 
Sec.  See. 

We  should  attentively  read  the  Treatises  \vi-itten  by  wise  and  good 
Men  concerning-  the  Duties  of  God's  Ministers :  to  see  if  we  are 
such  as  thev  describe,  and  stir  up  ourselves  to  become  such  as  \v(; 
oug-ht. — Abp.  Secker. 

BY  THE  REV.  THEOPS.  ST.  JOHN,  L.  L,  B.  &c. 


NEW-YORK:- 

PRINTED  BY  D.  &  G.  BRUCE, 
BRISBAN  &  BRANNAN,  186  PEARL-STREET 


1806. 


CONTENTS 


INTRODUCTION  .-.-..  v 

CHARGE  I. 

On  the  Excellence  of  the  Priesthood  -         -         -         21 

CHARGE  II. 
On  Propriety  of  Character 39 

CHARGE  III. 

On  Zeal  -.---._.         53 

CHARGE  IV. 

On  being  appointed  to  the  Christian  Ministry      -         -         74 

CHARGE  V. 

On  Reflection  on  the  Success  of  our  Ministry      -         -         8T 

CHARGE  VL 

On  Solicitude  for  the  Salvation  of  Souls       -         -         -       100 

CHARGE  VII. 

On  Solicitude  to  Suppress  Vice  -         -         -         -       113 

CHARGE  VIII. 
On  a  Good  Example 132 

CHARGE  IX. 
On  the  Excellence  of  the  Ministry     -         .         .         .       14.4 

CHARGE  X. 
On  the   Manner  in  which  the   Clergy  are  to   Conduct 
themselves  among  Men  of  the  World      -         -         -       156 

CHARGE  XI. 

On  the  Prudent  Conversation  and  Behaviour  of  the  Clergy    1 72 


VI 


CHARGE  XII. 

On  the  Solicitude  the  Clergy  ought  to  shew  for  their  Peo- 
ple, when  confined  by  Sickness       -         -         -         -       182 

CHARGE  XIII. 

The  pernicious  effects  of  Avarice  in  the  Clergy  -       194 

CHARGE  XIV. 
On  Mildness  and  Gentleness 204 

CHARGE  XV. 

On  the  Necessity  of  Prayer        -         -         -         -         -       11 7 

CHARGE  XVI. 
On  Study  and  Knowledge 234 

A  Letter  on  the  Art  of  Preaching,  translated  from 
the  French  of  M.  Reybaz 253 

Thoughts  on  the  Composition  of  a  Sermon,  as  a- 
dapted  to  the  Church  of  England     -         -         -         -       281 

A  Prayer ^       32i 


INTRODUCTION. 


THE  perusal  of  Massillon's  Synodal  Discourse'^, 
or  Ecclesiastical  Charges,  having  sometimes  re- 
freshed my  mind  with  comfort,  and  sometimes 
filled  me  with  reproof ;  I  was  induced  to  translate 
such  of  them  as  are  more  immediately  applicable 
to  the  ministry  of  the  Church  of  England ;  after 
which,  thinking  that  other  men  might,  like  my- 
self, be  quickened  to  greater  diligence,  and  more 
active  exertions,  in  the  prosecution  of  their  holy 
calling,  by  reading  them  in  our  ov/n  language,  I 
at  length  determined  to  commit  them  to  the  press. 
I  have  an  additional  encouragement  to  do  this,  in 
the  persuasion,  that  young  men  designed  for  holy 
orders  may — if  they  condescend,  as  I  trust  they 
will,  to  read  them — be  enabled  to  form,  perhaps^ 
a  more  exact  judgment  of  the  awful  obligations 
the  ministry  imposes  on  them ;  and  may,  at  the 
same  time,  be  stimulated  to  discharge  those  obli- 
gations, as  soon  as  they  undertake  them,  with 
more  credit  to  themselves,  advantage  to  the 
Church,  and  glory  to  Almighty  God,  than  might' 
otherwise  ht^  invariably,  the  case. 


VI 


iVIassillon  is  an  author,  who  cannot  be  read 
with  pleasure,  nor  even  endured,  in  a  literal  trans- 
lation: he  multiplies  words  with  such  abundant 
profusion,  that  an  English  reader,  not  perceiving — 
it  being  impossible  to  preserve — the  graces  of  his 
style,  would  be  fatigued^  and  even  disgusted,  by 
the  same  idea  so  often,  with,  scarcely,  a  change 
of  words,  presented  to  his  mind.  I  was,  there- 
fore, reduced  to  this  delimma — either  to  abridge 
and  translate  the  author — and  of  consequence, 
e-ometimes  unavoidably,  to  weaken  his  sense,  and 
retain,  to  a  certain  degree,  the  *  idiom  of  his  lan- 
guage— or  to  express  his  sentiments  in  my  own 
style  ; — and  had  I  preferred  the  latter — and  had 
even  succeeded — I  should  have  offered  to  the 
reader,  at  best,  but  an  imperfect  imitation. 

I  am  aware  that  one  objection  will  be  made  ta 
these  Discourses — independent  of  the  want  of  ele- 
gance and  ornament,  which  may,  I  fear,  be  just- 
ly attributed  to  the  translation — viz.  that  the  same 
thoughts,  even  in  this  abridgment,  more  espe- 
cially in  the  first  eight  Charges,  too  frequently 
occur.  I  could  not,  however,  prevail  with  my- 
self to  reduce  them  to  a  smaller  compass ;  the  sen- 
timents being  so  exceedingly  important,  that  they 

*  Whilst  the  reader  is  perusing  the  following  Charges, 
should  he  be  disposed  to  censure  me,  I  must  request  him  to 
bear  in  mind,  as  my  apology,  the  observation  of  the  first  of 
critics  and  the  best  of  men,  Dr.  Johnson,  that — "No  book 
was  ever  turned  from  one  kmguage  into  another,  without  im- 
partin^j  something  of  its  native  idiom." 


Vll 


cannot,  in  my  judgment,  be  too  often  inculcated 
nor  too  earnestly  impressed.  The  last  five  are 
termed  Conferences,  denoting  a  plain  and  familial' 
manner  of  address :  the  others  are  called  Synodal 
Discourses,  or  Ecclesiastical  Charges ;  the  tend^ 
ency,  indeed,  of  them  all,  is  the  same— to  illus- 
trate the  nature,  and  enforce  the  duties,  of  th^ 
Clerical  character. 

<«  As  the  duties,"  says  the  Editor,  "  of  the  ec- 
clesiastical profession,  are  very  different  from 
those  prescribed  to  the  rest  of  Christians,  this  part 
of  the  works  of  Father  Massillon,  in  which  he 
confines  himself  to  the  instructions  of  the  Clergy, 
may  not,,  perhaps,  appear  so  interesting  as  his 
Practical  Discourses;  w^e  may,  notwithstanding, 
justly  assert,  that  the  public,  in  general,  may  de- 
rive from  them  the  highest  advantage.  For  all 
men  may  now  know,  w^hat  sort  of  labourers  they 
ought  to  supplicate  of  the  Almighty,  for  the  cul- 
tivation of  his  Vineyard.  Taught  by  these  Ex- 
hortations, the  solemn  obligations  imposed  on 
the  Christian  Ministry,  all  men  may  see,  that 
nothing  is  so  deplorable  as  the  blindness  of  pa- 
rents, in  bringing  up  their  children  to  the  Church, 
who  have  not  talent  and  dispositions  adapt-. 
ed  to  the  calling,  thereby  becoming  the  destroy- 
ers of  the  souls  of  their  offspring,  as  also  of  an 
infinite  number  of  Christians,  lost  by  the  unpar^ 
donable  negligence  of  those  Ministers,  who,  un- 
qualified as  to  talent,  and  indisposed  as  to  prin». 


YlU 


ciple,  obtrude  themselves  as  labourers  in  the  Gosr 
pel-field. 

*'  The  species  of  eloquence  which  prevails 
throughout  these  discourses,  is  not  that  of  Sermons, 
Energy  and  warmth  become  the  pulpit ;  the  tone 
of  the  Charge  in  general,  and  especially,  that  of 
Ecclesiastical  Charges,  should  be  more  mild  and 
gentle.  This  is  what  Father  Massillon  strictly  re- 
gards :  he  addresses  his  Clergy,  as  men  acquainted 
with  their  duty,  in  the  observance  of  which,  he 
labors  to  establish  himself,  and  to  the  conscientious 
fulfilling  of  which,  he  expresses  the  utmost  solici- 
tude to  recal  the  Shepherds  of  the  flock  :  he  does 
not  urge  those  strong  and  forcible  remonstrances, 
which  are  sometimes  delivered  from  the  pulpit,  to 
awaken  men  from  their  insensibility  ;  but  he  repre« 
sents,  in  the  most  feeling  and  pathetic  manner,  the 
melancholy  and  dreadful  consequences,  which  arise, 
not  merely  from  the  profligacy,  but  even  from  the 
indifference,  or  the  ignorance,  of  the  Clergy  ;  that 
the  Preachers  of  the  Gospel  cannot  bring  ruin  on 
themselves  alone  ;  but  that,  with  their  own,  they 
involve  the  destruction  of  a  number  of  souls,  for 
whose  redemption  the  Son  of  God  vouchsafed  to 
shed  his  most  precious  blood." 

*'  The  Charges,  which  I  denominate  Episcopal, 
because  they  were  composed  during  the  Prelacy 
of  the  author,  are  in  that  style  in  which  a  Bishop 
should  address  his  Clergy.     He  varies  his  voice  ia 


1% 

a  thousand  different  ways  ;  but  it  is  always  thj 
voice  of  a  father,  or  rather  of  a  brother,  who  ad- 
dresses his  fellow  laborers  in  the  ministry  ;  he  de- 
scends to  the  most  minute  and  simple  details,  which 
he  ennobles  and  renders  interesting,  by  the  turn 
he  gives  them,  and  the  expressions  in  which  they 
are  conveyed." 

This  amiable  Prelate  discovers  a  thorough  know- 
ledge of  the  human  heart.  The  most  conscientious 
Clergyman,  may,  after  perusing  these  Charges,  be 
surprised  to  find,  that,  in  many  instances,  in  which 
he  had,  as  he  might  think,  discharged  his  duty, 
comparatively  well,  he  has  been  seduced  by  indif- 
ference, or  diverted  by  inattention,  to  the  neglect 
of  some  parts  of  his  vocation,  which  have  a  power- 
ful effect  in  deterring  the  profligate  from  vice,  dis- 
turbing the  lukewarm  in  indifference,  and  confirm- 
ing the  religious  in  piety. 

When  Massillon  delivered  these  discourses,  the 
Clergy  of  France,  were  rapidly  declining  from  the 
professional  diligence  and  exemplary  demeanor, 
by  which  they  had  formerly  adorned  a  Church, 
whose  doctrines  are  inconsistent  with  truth,  and 
whose  ceremonies  are  repugnant  to  reason.  The 
reader  will  perceive  the  good  Father's  solicitude 
to  restrain  them  from  the  paths  which  led  to 
national  evil,  and  individual  ruin — which  subject- 
ed their  religion  to  censure  and  reproach,  and 
themselves  to  scorn  and  derision.  He  does  not 
exercise  their  understandings,  by  profound  argu- 


ments,  or  learned  disquisitions  ;  but,  always  keep- 
ing in  view  the  inestimable  value  of  salvation,  and 
the  indescribable  horrors  of  reprobation,  he  brings, 
them  at  once,  before  the  Tribunal  of  God,  and 
introduces  the  souls  lost  by  the  profligacy  of 
their  example,  and  the  inefficacy  of  their  ministry, 
into  the  divine  presence,  as  testifying  against 
them.  From  the  inattention  and  degeneracy  of 
the  French  Clergy,  have  arisen,  it  is  said,  all  the 
calamities  with  which  that  unhappy  nation  hath 
been  visited. 

This  translation,  ifreadinthe  Northern  Schools^ 
which  every  year  supply  the  Church  abundantly, 
and  if  in  the  Universities,  previous  to  the  first  de- 
gree, may  impress  young  minds  with  a  sense  of 
the  awful  obligations,  on  which  they  are  about  to 
enter.  It  may  also  be  equally  serviceable  to  con- 
scientious men,  who,  disappointed  in  other  profes- 
sions, or  not  succeeding  in  trade,  enter,  if  they  have 
good  connections,  into  the  sacred  ministry.  Pa- 
rents often,  we  see,  prevail  with  their  sons  to  take 
orders,  contrary  to  their  inclinations.  A  father 
may,  in  this  translation,  understand  what  all  men 
are  required  to  be,  to  support  the  ecclesiastical 
character,  without  incurring  guilt  themselves,  and 
without  endangering  the  salvation  of  the  souls 
entrusted  to  their  charge  ;  and  if  his  sons  do  not 
promise,  by  diligence  in  study,  by  steadiness  of 
behaviour,  and  piety  of  life,  to  **  save  both  them- 
selves, and  those  that  hear  them,"  he  will,  it 
may  be    hoped,  have  the   integrity  to   renounce 


XI 


a  probable,  or  even  a  promised,  advantage,  and  will 
suft'er  them  to  pursue  that  course  which  is  more 
congenial  to  their  dispositions,  and  better  adapted 
to  their  talents.  This  publication  will  shew  the 
PRINCIPLE  by  which  the  Clergy  should  be  actu- 
ated, and  the  ability  they  should  possess:  and 
to  those  in  whom  such  principle  and  ability  are 
not  found,  it  is  to  be  wished,  that  the  door  of  the 
ministry  should  not  be  easily  opened. 

I  submitted  these  Exhortations  to  the  perusal  of 
a  very  respectable  Clergyman,  who  would  have 
dissuaded  me  from  publishing  them,  under  the  idea 
that  they  would  be  considered  as  reflecting  a  de- 
gree of  censure  on  the  Clergy  of  the  Established 
Church.  I  was  astonished  at  this  suggestion.  For 
no  man,  as  my  friend  well  knows,  however  high  his 
station,  venerable  his  character,  or  enviable  his  pre- 
ferment, has  either  a  greater  attachment  to  the 
Church,  or  a  more  exalted  opinion  of  her  Clergy, 
than  myself;  and  my  attachment  arises,  neither 
from  gratitude  for  past,  nor  expectation  of  future, 
favours.  The  Clergy  I  consider,  and  svich  they, 
I  believe,  are  very  generally  considered,  as  Schol- 
ars, as  Divines,  as  Christians,  the  most  learned, 
useful,  and  examplary  body  of  men,  of  which  so- 
ciety can  boast.  But  is  this  to  preclude  me  from 
offering  to  the  world,  in  an  English  dress,  the  dis- 
courses of  a  Catholic  Prelate,  which,  had  the 
Clergy  of  his  nation  observed,  their  religion,  would, 
it  is  probable,  have  been  now  flourishing,  and  them- 
selves,  instead  of  dein^  murdered  by  the  Assassin, 


xu 


6r  scorned  by  the  Infidel,  have  been  thought  wor-^ 
thy,  after  having  ''  been  put  in  trust  with  the  Gos- 
pel," of  being  continued  to  dispense  its  blessings  ? 
Happy  would  it  be,  for  society  in  general,  would 
the  Clergy  direct  their  united  endeavours  to  restore 
our  own  Church  to  its  former  splendor — by  bring- 
ing back  those,  who  having,  with  unbecoming 
precipitation,  and  unnatural  degeneracy,  first  de- 
serted, would  afterwards,  either  betray  it  by  stra- 
tagem, or  overturn  it  by  violence — by  persuading 
those  who  affect  to  be  of  her  Communion,  to  at- 
tend her  services,  to  observe  her  ordinances,  and 
to  conduct  themselves  like  men  who  enjoy  the 
preaching  of  the  Gospel  in  its  genuine  purity, 
unadulterated  by  wordly  wisdom  on  the  one  hand, 
or  by  crafty  mysticism  on  the  other  hand  :  The 
accomplishment  of  this  blessed  end  depends  solely 
on  the  Clergy  themselves.  My  observations  on 
this  subject  I  offer  with  deference,  I  hope,  there- 
fore, without  offence,  but  not,  I  implore  the  Al- 
mighty, without  effect.  First,  let  every  Clergy- 
man enquire,  impartially,  of  his  own  heart — and 
the  enquiry  is  to  be  one  day  made  by  him  "  to 
whoni  all  hearts  are  open,  and  all  desires  are 
known" — whether  Religion  has,  in  his  parish, 
failed  of  its  influence,  either  through  negligence  in 
the  discharge  of  his  duty,  or  impropriety  in  the 
conduct  of  his  life  ?  Whatever  be  the  answer 
which  his  conscience  gives,  let  him  next  enquire 
— whether  he  reads  the  public  prayers  with  so 
much  devotion  as  to  inspire  his  congregation 
with  a  spirit  of  piety  ?     If  he  reads  them  with 


XIU 


irreverent,  precipitation,  or  with  disgusting  tedi^ 
ousness,  instead  of  inducing   men  to  ''  pay  their 
vows  in  the  great  congregation,"   he  is,  without, 
perhaps,  being  conscious  of  it  himself,  the  cause  of 
aUenating  their  minds  from  the  service   of  their 
Maker ;  and  the  absence  of  his  parisioners  from 
the  House  of  God  is  to  be  attributed,  either  to  his 
want  of  seriousness,   of  consideration,  or  of  judg- 
ment :    next  let  him   enquire — whether  the  dis- 
courses  he    delivers,    produce   the    eifect   which 
was  intended  to  be  produced  by  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel  ?  Has  he  the  satisfaction  of  perceiv- 
ing decorum  triumphing  over  degeneracy,    sobri- 
ety over  intoxication,  and  piety  over  profaneness  ? 
If  he  fail  entirely  of  success,   either  the  subjects 
of  his  sermons,  or  his   mode  of  treating,    or  of 
delivering  them,  are  not  applicable  to  the  wants, 
or  not  powerful  over  the  affections,   of  his  pari- 
sioners ;  and  having,  therefore,  neglected,  wheth- 
er to  cultivate  the  soil  with  diligence,  to  select 
the  seed  with  judgment,   or  to  sow  it  with  all  re- 
quisite care,  he  cannot  be  surprised  that  he  has 
not  an  abundant  crop  at  the  time  of  harvest.     I 
presume  to  suggest  these   considerations,  as  it  is 
by  their  having  an  universal  influence,   that  thou- 
sands who  have  deserted  the  Church,   are  to  be 
brought  back  into  the  fold;    and,  that  the  vast 
numbers,   who  call  themselves  Churchmen,    but 
who  live  some  without  the  profession,   and  many 
without  the  practice,  of  Religion,  may  be  deterred 
from   evil  courses,    and   established   in   virtuous 
habits. 


XIV 


Observation  on  the  state  of  the   Church,   has 
confirmed  me  in  the  opinion,   that  some  improve- 
ments are  wanting,  to  attach  men  more  steadily  to 
her  service.     We  see  in  the  mornings  large  con- 
gregations in  many  parishes  ;  and  in  the  afternoons 
we  see  the  very  persons,   of  whom  those  congre- 
gations were  composed,  sitting  in  their  houses,  or 
standing  at  their  doors,  regardless  of  their  obliga- 
tions to   go  a  second  time  "  to  the  House  of  the 
Lord."     This  prevailing  inattention  takes  its  rise, 
I  apprehend,  from  three  causes — either,  that  their 
attendance  on  the   service  of  the   Church,  in  the 
morning,  proceeds  from  custom  almost  independ- 
ent of  religous  principle,  and  that  they  persuade 
themselves  they  thereby  sufficiently  discharge  their 
duty; — or,  that  they  receive  little  edification,  and 
feel  little  interest  in  the  celebration  of  divine  ser- 
vice ; — or,  lastly,  that  they  can  when  they  are  dis- 
posed say  their  prayers  at  home,  and  that  there  is, 
therefore,  no  occasion,  to  go  to  Church  for   that 
purpose,  seeing  there  is  jio  public  instruction.  The 
almost  universal  neglect  of  evening  service,  owes  its 
prevailance,!  doubt  not,to  one  of  these  three  causes. 
If,  which  seems  most  probable,  to  the  last,  the  ob- 
jection   may    easily    be    removed.     The    Clergy, 
indeed,  allege,  that  their  parisioners  would  not,  from 
the  influence  of  confirmed  habit,  be  prevailed  with 
to  attend  evening  service.     I  know  some  conscien- 
tious Clergymen,  who  instituted  evening  sermons  ; 
but  they  complained,  that  their  Churches  were  not 
so  well  attended  as  the  conventicles,  and  there- 
fore, precipitately,    unadvisedly,    and   I  had    al- 


XV 


most  said,  irreligiously,  discontinued  tlieir  instruc- 
tions from  the  pulpit.  Patient  labor,  and  unre- 
mitted perseverance,  might,  accompanied  by  God's 
blessing,  have  been  ultimately  successful.  Had 
my  friends^instead  of  being  discouraged  by  ob- 
stacles, which  diligence  might  have,  gradually, 
lessened,  and  judgment,  eventually,  surmounted — 
prepared  awakening  and  pathetic  discourses,  level 
to  the  understandings,  and  interesting  to  the  affec- 
tions, of  their  hearers,  and  enforced  their  public 
preaching,  by  personal  visits,  applauding  and  con- 
firming the  attention  and  piety  of  the  well-disposed 
among  their  people,  they  would  not,  I  am  per- 
suaded, have  had  reason  to  complain,  either  of  the 
indisposition  of  their  hearers  to  instruction,  or  the 
inutility  of  their  own  labors.  But  I  would  sug- 
gest an  attractive  improvement  in  preaching,  or 
rather,  I  would  substitute  a  more  efficacious  mode 
of  improving  the  morals,  and  informing  the  under- 
standings, of  men.  Would  every  Clergyman, 
after  the  morning  service,  give  notice,  that,  as  a 
Psalm,  or  Lesson,  or  the  Epistle,  or  Gosple,  seem- 
ed  either  peculiarly  striking,  or  not  easy  to  be 
understood,  or  often  misapplied,  the  explanation 
of  it  should  be  the  subject  of  the  evening  instruc- 
tion,  he  would  soon,  without  question,  have  a  re- 
gular congregation. 

It  were  greatly  to  be  wished,  as  an  additional 
incentive  to  attend  public  worship,  that  the  elocu- 
tion of  the  Clergy  of  the  Church  of  England,  were 
more  impressive  than  it  is — an  acquirement  not  to 


SVl 

be  generally  attained — unless  the  two  Universities, 
seeing  the  indispensable  necessity  of  it,  should 
consider  public  speaking,  as  an  essential  part 
of  an  academical  education.  Of  what  use  to  nine 
parishes  out  of  ten,  is  the  best  critical  scholar,  or 
the  deepest  mathematician,  if  he  is  not  able  to  de- 
liver a  sermon,  so  as  to  engage  the  attention,  and 
affect  the  heart,  of  his  hearers  ?  He,  feeling  his 
professional  deficiency,  accompanied,  at  the  same 
time,  with  a  consciousness  of  superior  learning, 
despises  them  ;  and  they,  not  knowing  how  to  ap- 
preciate, and  deriving  no  advantage,  from,  his 
knowledge,  disregard  him.  Thus  is  the  bread  of 
life,  when  distributed  by  his  hands,  deprived  of 
its  vital  sustenance.  Had  he  employed  a  part  of 
his  leisure,  in  the  University,  in  cultivating  the 
talents  of  a  public  speaker,  that  he  might  have 
become,  agreeably  to  his  designation,  an  instru- 
ment *'  of  turning  many  to  righteousness" — he 
would,  instead  of  being  professionally  useless,  have 
<*  converted  many  from  the  error  of  their  ways." 
What  possible  advantage  can  a  congregation  de- 
rive from  hearing  a  young  man,  Avho  is  entirely 
unacquainted  with  the  art  of  public  speaking, 
read  for  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  an  elegant  es- 
say, or  an  ingenous  disquisition,  equally  adapted, 
with  a  few  verbal  alterations,  to  an  assembly  of 
Catholics,  Jews  or  Mahometans — ashamed  all  the 
time  of  looking  them  in  the  face  ?  Such  an  one 
might  have  been  active  as  a  shopkeeper,  skilful  as 
a  farmer,  diligent  as  a  tradesman,  and  may,  per- 
haps be  distinguished  as  a  philosopher — but  it  is 


xvu 


with  difficulty,  we  can  bring  ourselves  to  believe, 
that  he  "  was  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost,"  to 
preach  the  Gospel. 

The  Bishops,  before  they  ordain  a  candidate  for 
holy  orders,  from  either  of  the  Universities,  very 
properly,  require  him  to  produce  a  certificate  from 
a  Divinity  Professor,  of  his  having  attended  a 
certain  course  of  lectures.  But,  what  ever  be  his 
classical,  philosophical,  and  theological  knowledge, 
if  he  cannot  address  a  popular  assembly — if  he  can- 
not, by  his  mode  of  speaking, secure  the  attention 
of  the  wandering,  suppress  the  levity  of  the  giddy, 
and  attract  the  mind  of  the  inquisitive,  hearer — he 
may  engage  by  his  example,  edify  by  his  conver- 
sation, and  instruct  by  his  writings,  but  he  will 
not  be  an  useful  Preacher. 

Solicitous  to  uphold  the  credit  of  the  Church, 
and  to  promote  the  success  of  the  Gospel,  I  ex- 
press a  most  fervent  wish,  that  the  Northern 
Schools,  which  prepare  very  many  young  men 
for  the  Church,  would  establish  the  custom 
of  frequent  public  speaking,  and — which  is  still 
more  desirable — that  the  several  Colleges,  in  the 
two  Universities,  would,  as  an  indispensible  pre- 
liminary to  a  degree,  require  of  every  one  in 
their  Society,  to  repeat  in  their  chapel,  in  every 
term,  speeches,  declamations,  parts  of  sermons, 
Stc.  &c.  An  University  education,  would  then 
qualify,  as  it  was,  originally,  designed  to  do, 
all  who  enter  into  holy  orders,   to  discharge  the 


XVlll 

popular  part  of  their  vocation,  with  honour  to 
themselves,  and  benefit  to  their  hearers ;  and  the 
good  Shepherd  would  have  the  comfort,  not  al- 
ways awaiting  dignities  and  preferments,  of  seeing 
his  flock  daily  "  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  know- 
ledge of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ." 

I  introduce  to  the  reader,  without  any  comment 
or  observation,  a  passage  from  my  Lord  Bacon's 
Works,  which  he  will  not,  perhaps,  think  inap- 
posite. 

Speaking  of  a  custom  that  formerly  prevailed^ 
which  was,  as  he  expresses  it,  ''  the  best  w^ay,  to 
frame  and  train  up  Preachers,  to  handle  the  Word 
of  God  as  it  ought  to  be  handled,  that  hath  been 
practised — the  Ministers  did  meet  upon  a  week 
day,  in  some  principal  town,  where  there  was  some 
ancient  grave  Minister  that  was  President,  and  an 
auditory  admitted  of  gentlemen,  or  other  persons 
©f  leisure.  Then  every  Minister,  successively, 
beginning  with  the  youngest,  did  handle  one  and 
the  same  part  of  Scripture  ;  spending  severally 
some  quarter  of  an  hour  or  better,  and  in  the 
whole,  some  two  hours  :  and  so  the  exercise  be- 
ing begun  and  concluded  with  prayer,  and  the  Pre- 
sident giving  a  text  for  the  next  meeting,  the 
assembly  was  dissolved.  Every  practice  of  sci- 
ence," he  continues,  ''■  hath  an  exercise  of  erudi- 
tion and  initiation,  before  men  come  to  the  life  : 
only  preaching,  which  is  the  worthiest,  and  wherein 
it  is  most  danger  to  do  amiss,  wanteth  an  intra- 


xix 


ductio7i,  and  is  ventured  arid  rushed  upon  at  the 
frst." 

He  next  proceeds  to  say,  it  is  his  wish,  *'  that 
the  same  exercise  was  used  in  the  Universities, 
for  young  Divines,  before  they  presumed  to  pre?xh, 
as  well  as  in  the  country,  for  Ministers." 

Massillon  having  given  his  Clergy  no  directions, 
respecting  either  the  delivery  or  composition  of  a 
discourse,  I  oifer  to  the  rea.der,  a  Translation  of  a 
Letter  on  the  Art  of  Preaching,  by  M.  Reybaz,  a 
Minister  of  Geneva.  I  also  subjoin  such  senti- 
ments as  have  occurred  to  my  mind,  on  the  nature 
of  a  sermon,  in  so  far  as  preaching  affects  the 
Church  of  England.  The  younger  Clergy  may 
not,  perhaps,  be  displeased,  that  I  add  a  Prayer, 
which  may,  by  those  who  have  not  previously 
composed  one  of  more  fervor  and  piety,  be  read 
devoutly  in  the  study. 


CHARGE  I. 

ON  THE  EXCELLENCE  OF  THE  PRIESTHOOD. 


Behold^  this  child  is  set  for  the  fall  and  rising  agai?} 
of  many  in  Israel, 


23 


CHARGE  I. 
ON  THE  EXCELLENCE  OF  THE  PRIESTHOOD 


Behold,  this  child  is  set  for  the  fall  and  rising  again 
of  many  in  Israel. 

HOW  could  the  just  and  devout  Simeon,  it 
may  be  enquired,  unite  so  melancholy  a  prophecy 
with  the  grand  and  interesting  solemnities  which 
were  fulfilling  in  the  Temple  ?  The  only-begot« 
ten  of- the  Father  makes  his  first  appearance  ;  takes 
possession  of  his  new  priesthood  ;  exercises  its 
first  public  duties,  in  offering  himself  to  his  Father ; 
substitutes,  for  the  blood  of  bulls  and  of  goats, 
his  own  body  as  a  sacrifice  ;  and  among  circum- 
stances so  conducive  to  the  present  welfare,  and 
eternal  happiness  of  men,  the  good  old  Simeon, 
addressing  himself  to  the  mother  of  Jesus,  pro- 
claims, that  this  New  Priest,  who  is  *'  the  light 
of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  Israel,"  is,  not- 
withstanding, ordained  to  be  both  *'  the  fall  and 
the  rising  again  of  many  in  Israel  ;" — that  is, 
the  salvation  of  some,  and  the  condemnation  of 
others. 

Our  blessed  Lord,  taking  public  possession  of 
his  ministry  in  the  Temple,  seems  the  representa- 
tive of  every  Minister  of  the  Gospel,   when  he 


24 

first  appears  in  the  House  of  God,  duly  ordained 
to  discharge  the  sacred  offices  of  ReUgion.  And 
to  him  may  be  addressed  these  awful  words — 
'*  Behold,  this  child  is  set  for  the  fall  and  rising 
*' again  of  many  in  Israel;" — thou  art  ordained 
to  the  service  of  God,  to  become  the  instrument 
of  life  or  of  death  to  many  :  and  it  is  literally  true 
of  every  one  of  us,  that  we  shall  either  build  up 
or  destroy  ;  that  we  shall  become  a  saviour  of  life 
Or  of  death  among  Christians. 

With  what  sentiments,  then,  do  we  contemplate 
that  holy  calling  in  which  we  have  engaged  ? 
Some  take  it  upon  them  with  the  expectation  of 
being  advanced  and  exalted  ;  accustomed,  by  do- 
mestic and  familiar  conversation,  to  view  the 
awful  obligations  of  the  ministry  through  the  flat- 
tering medium  of  wealth  and  dignity.  Like  the 
profane  Heliodorus,  they  enter  into  the  temple 
only,  because  they  expect  to  find  vast  treasures, 
which  were  originally  designed,  not  to  encourage 
the  insolence  of  pride,  and  the  splendor  of  dis- 
tinction, but  to  protect  the  widow,  and  support  the 
orphan. 

Others,  influenced  by  the  suggestion  of  a  calm 
and  easy  temper,  repose  themselves  in  the  Lord's 
vineyard,  merely  to  shun  the  troubles,  and  escape 
the  embarrassments,  of  business,  as  in  a  safe  and 
tranquil  port,  where  they  promise  themselves  an 
exemption  from  corroding  cares,  and  security 
from  vexatious  engagements. 


i5 

Some  feel  an  inherent  propensity  to  ambition, 
and  embrace,  in  the  sacred  professon,  the  oppor- 
tunity of  displaying  conscious  excellence,  or  os- 
tentatious merit ;  and,  from  the  exertion  of  their 
talents,  anticipate,  not  so  much  the  salvation,  as 
the  applause,  of  their  hearers. 

Such  are  the  views  by  which  many  are  actuated 
in  devoting  themselves  to  the  ministry,  not  consi- 
dering that,  when  we  have  once  engaged  in  it,  we 
become  public  men  ;  our  talents  eloquent  instruc- 
tors, our  lives  amiable  examples :  we  are,  as  it 
were,  the  chief  corner-stones  on  which  the  whole 
edifice  rests  ;  and  hereafter  we  can  neither  conti^ 
nue  firm  without  supporting  those  around  us,  nor 
can  we  fall  without  involving  them  in  our  ruin. 

To  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  whether  his  sta- 
tion be  exalted,  or  his  lot  obscure,  are  entrusted 
the  interests  of  mankind  :  he  is  to  carry  daily  to» 
the  throne  of  grace  the  wants  and  necessities  of 
God's  heritage.  The  princes  of  the  earth  expect 
that  the  complaints  and  requests  of  their  subjects 
be  laid  before  them  by  their  immediate  servants, 
and  that  their  graces  and  favors  may,  through  the 
same  medium,  be  diffused  :  such  is  the  order  esta- 
blished of  God  in  his  Church  ;  and  hence  it  is 
that  the  Canons  enjoin  every  Minister  to  read 
daily  the  public  prayers,  persuaded  that  the  pray- 
ers of  God's  Ministers  are  the  channels  of  public 
blessings. 


25 


Now  he  whose  heart  is  devoted  to  the  worlds 
cannot  participate  in  the  things  of  God ;  he  who 
reluctantly  retires  a  few  moments  from  secular 
business,  or  enticing  pleasures,  to  draw  near  to 
God  with  his  lips, — -what  blessings  can  such  an 
one  reasonably  hope  to  obtain  for  others,  of  a  Be- 
ing whom  he  does  not  know,  and  whom  he  is 
afraid  to  address  in  his  own  behalf?  What  advan- 
tage is  derived  from  his  ministry  to  the  society  in 
which  he  lives,  and  more  especially  to  the  souls 
committed  to  his  care  ?  Does  the  Church  perceive 
in  him  a  defender,  an  intercessor,  a  guardian  of  her 
doctrines^  and  a  supporter  of  her  holiness  ?  Will 
not  the  degeneracy  of  manners,  and  the  want  of 
faith  among  men — will  not  the  evils  which  afflict, 
and  the  divisions  which  rend,  the  Church,  be  con- 
sidered, at  the  tribunal  of  God,  as  his  work  ?  Will 
he  not,  in  that  terrible  day  of  the  Lord,  bear  the 
reproach  of  many  weak  and  unhappy  souls,  who, 
had  their  efforts  been  encouraged  by  his  piety, 
and  their  perseverance  supported  by  his  prayers, 
might  have  repented  of  their  past  sins,  and  adorned 
their  Christian  profession?  He  is  placed  in  the 
sanctuar)^  as  a  cloud  without  water,  and  dark  at 
the  same  time,  which  is  not  merely  dry,  but 
which  prevents  the  influence  of  heaven  from  falling 
on  the  earth. 

Whence  proceed,  do  you  suppose,  the  neglect 
of  worship,  the  decay  of  piety,  the  profligacy  of 
manners,  which  are  so  injurious  to  society,  and 
dishonourable  to  God  ?  From  the  negligence  and 


27 

unconcern  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Gospel.  We 
are  too  frequently  the  first  cause  of  degeneracy  of 
Conduct,  and  forgetfulness  of  God. 

A  Minister  is  a  mediator  with  God  for  men. 
Now,  what  blessings  can  be  expected  from  the 
intercessions  of  him  who  shall  appear  never  to 
have  received,  or  having  received,  shall  have 
wickedly  extinguished,  the  spirit  of  his  sacred 
calling  ?  What,  alas  !  but  schisms  and  divisions 
in  the  Church,  an  alarming  ignorance  of  the  genius. 
of  the  Gospel,  and  an  universal  increase  of  depra- 
vity of  morals  ?  If,  in  the  infancy  of  the  Christian 
Church,  sickness  and  unprepared  deaths  were  the 
consequence  of  an  unworthy  receiving  of  the 
Holy  Communion,  what  severity^  O  God!  wilt 
thou  not  inflict  on  impure  sacrifices  and  profane 
oblations. 

Unworthy  Pastors,  like  Jonas,  are  disobedient 
prophets,  who  occasion  those  storms  and  tempests 
which  have  so  often  nearly  shipwrecked  the  vessel 
of  the  Churchy  and  which  would  have  drowned  it 
in  the  waters,  had  the  gates  of  hell  been  able  to 
prevail  against  the  promise  of  our  Lord;  and  had 
he  not  put  bounds  to  the  impetuous  waves  of  the 
sea,  which  they  were  not  allowed  to  pass.  So 
many  people  separated  from  the  unity  of  the  faith, 
carried  about  with  diverse  and  strange  doctrines, 
will  one  day  rise  up  against  and  condemn  those 
worthless  Ministers,  whose  unpardonable  negli- 
gence and  guilty  lukewarmness  have  provoked  the 


28 

divine  justice  to  permit  heresy  to  increase,  and  a- 
bound  more  and  more.  Hear  how  God  complains 
hy  his  prophet,- — "  Many  pastors  have  destroyed 
"  my  vineyard,  they  have  trodden  my  portion  under 
*'  foot,  they  have  made  my  portion  a  desolate  wilder- 
"  ness  :  they  have  made  it  desolate,  and  being  de- 
*'  solate,  it  mourneth  vmto  me  ;  the  whole  land  is 
"  made  desolate,  because  no  man  layeth  it  to  heart." 
What  calamity,  then,  may  not  one  single  Minister, 
who  is  unworthy  his  sacred  office,  bring  upon  the 
Church  ! — ''  He  is  set  for  the  falling  of  many." 

A  Clergyman  is  a  fellow-labourer  with  God  in 
the  work  of  salvation  :  he  delivers  to  men  the 
word  of  life  and  of  reconciliation  ;  he  supports 
them  with  the  bread  which  came  down  from  hea- 
ven, the  word  of  truth.  But  he  who  is  unworthy 
the  sacred  office,  becomes  a  fellow -w^orker  with 
Satan,  in  the  seduction  and  ruin  of  his  brethren  : 
and  that  such  men  have,  at  every  period,  crept  into 
the  Church,  cannot  be  denied  ;  men  who  have 
entered  into  this  holy  calling  without  a  conviction 
of  its  importance,  and  a  knowledge  of  its  duties  ; 
who  undertake  it  without  zeal,  and  discharge  it 
without  judgment ;  incapable  of  discriminating 
when  to  feed  with  milk,  and  when  to  nourish  with 
strong  meat.  Innumerable  are  the  evils  with 
which  the  Ministry  of  such  men  afflicts  the  Church ; 
— the  security  and  impenitence  of  sinners — a  dis- 
regard of  the  Ordinances  of  Religion,  more  espe- 
cially an  entire  neglect^  or  an  unworthy  receiving, 
of  the  Holy  Communion  ; — the  ridicule  ajid  scoi& 


29 


of  many,  when,  in  the  discharge  of  our  professional 
obhgations,  we  undertake  to  undeceive  them  ; — ^ 
and  lastly,  their  thoughtlessness  and  unconcern 
when  lying  on  the  bed  of  death.  To  these  igno- 
rant dispensers  of  the  word  it  is  owing  that  the 
very  face  of  Christianity  is  changed. 

Now  a  Minister,  worldly  in  his  aflections,  and 
irregular  in  his  conduct,  although  he  should  do 
no  other  in'ury  to  religion  than  exhibit  his  own 
life,  introduces  an  accumulation  of  evils  into  the 
Christian  Church,  What  secret  satisfaction  ! 
what  encouraging  apologies  for  excess,  when  ma- 
ny find  their  follies  countenanced,  and  their  vices 
authorised,  by  his  depravity  !  We  preach  to  them 
in  vain  :  the  life  of  the  Clergy,  of  Vv4iich  they  are 
witnesses,  is,  with  the  generality  of  men,  the 
Gospel ;  it  is  not  what  we  declare  in  the  House 
of  God,  it  is  what  they  see  us  practise  in  our 
general  demeanor*- ;  they  look  upon  the  public 
ministry  as  a  stage  designed  for  the  display  of 
exalted  principles,  beyond  the  reach  of  human 
weakness  ;  but  tliey  consider  our  life  as  the  reality 
by  which  they  are  to  be  directed. 

Yes,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  we  are  as  lamps 
set  up  on  high  to  enlighten  the  House  of  God  ; 

*  "  And  here,  I  conceive,  it  is,  that  we  of  the  Clergy  are 
chiefly  apt  to  fail.  We  do  not  always  appear  in  the  common 
Intercourses  of  Life  sufficiently  penetrated  with  the  Importance 
of  our  I'unction,  or  sufiicientiy  assiduous  to  promote  the  Ends 
©four  Mission." — Abp.  Secker. 

0 


30 


but  from  the  moment  the  malicious  breath  of  the 
evil  one  has  extinguished  them,  we  diffuse  on 
every  side  a  noxious  vapor,  which  darkens,  which 
defiles  every  thing,  and  which  becomes  **  a  savor 
of  death  unto  them  that  perish:"  we  are  the  pillars 
of  the  sanctuary,  which,  if  overthrown  and  scat- 
tered in  public  places,  become  stones  of  stumbling 
to  them  that  pass  by. 

But  the  Church  is  not,  God  be  praised  !  dis- 
graced by  many  of  so  profligate  a  character  :  yet 
it  cannot  be  dissembled  that  there  are  some,  who, 
by  their  lukewarmness  in  Religion,  or  their  attach- 
ment to  the  world,  weaken  the  efficacy  of  their 
ministry*.  For  not  keeping  alive  in  their  breasts 
the  spirit  and  the  grace  of  their  calling,  by  prayer, 
by  mediation,  by  a  life  of  sanctity  and  holiness, 
they  have  neither  power  nor  inclination  to  speak  of 
the  things  of  God.  They  perform  the  duties  of 
their  sacred  function  without  zeal,  and  without 
interest,  and,  by  consequence,  without  a  bles- 
sing :  they  pronounce  the  most  awful  and  affect- 
ing truths  with  an  indifference  and  insensibility 
which  deprive  them  of  all  their  force;  the  cold- 
ness of  their  heart  freezes  the  words  on  their 
tongue  ;  and  it  is  not  possible  that  they  can  in- 
spire their  hearers  with  the  ardor  of  Religion,  the 

*  Too  possibly  a  great  part  of  our  People  may  like  the 
lukewarm  amongst  us  the  better  for  resembling  themselves, 
and  giving  them  no  Uneasiness  on  Comparison,  but  seeming 
to  authorize  their  IndifTercnce.  But  then,  such  of  us  can  do 
them  no  good." — Abp.  Secker. 


31 


divme  fire'  of  the  love  of  God,  when  they  do  not 
feel  a  smgle  spark  of  it  in  their  own  breasts.  For 
we  must  apply  our  leisure  to  meditation,  and  en-- 
gage  our  heart  in  piety,  if  we  would  expatiate  on 
the  holiness  of  the  Gospel,  with  glory  to  God,  and 
edification  to  our  herirers ;  if  we  would  inspire 
those  who  violate  its  precepts  with  a  dread  of  God's 
displeasure,  if  Ave  would  persuade  them  to  avert 
his  wrath,  and  secure  his  favour.  Hence  it  is, 
that  where  "  holiness  to  the  Lord^'  is  not  eminent- 
ly conspicuous  in  the  life  and  conversation  of  the 
Mhiisters  of  the  Gospel,  many  people  depart  from 
the  service  of  the  Church,  unconcerned  for  their 
sins,  and  indifferent  about  their  salvation :  hence 
the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  without  success,  the 
prayers  of  the  Church  without  avail,  all  the  Ordi- 
nances  of  Religion,  and  all  the  means  of  salvation 
unedifying  and  unserviceable  to  Christians, 

Although  we  should  not  perform  any  of  the 
public  offices  of  Religion — for  I  do  not  at  present 
enquire  whether  it  is  allowable  to  enter  into  the 
Church,  and  to  continue  in  it  unemployed — al- 
though  we  should  not  discharge  any  of  its  duties, 
do  we  not  still  continue  to  be  examples  to  man- 
kind ;  and  do  not  all  men,  after  we  have  taken 
upon  us  the  sacred  profession,  look  to  our  mo- 
rals for  encouragement  in  virtue,  or  for  a  sanction 
in  vice  ? 

The  Word  of  God  informs  us  that  the  most 
dreadful  punishment  which  the  Lord  can  inflict 


32 

upon  cities  and  kingdoms,  is  to  send  wicked  Min- 
is-ers  among  them  :  in  this  manner  did  he  punish 
Jerusalem  for  all  its  transgressions.  **  I  will  give 
*'  them  pastors,"  said  he,  "  who  shall  call  evil 
"  good,  and  good  evil;  who  shall  not  build  up 
''that  which  is  fallen;  and  who  shall  walk  ac-> 
*'  cording  to  their  own  ways."  This  is  the  most 
terrible  of  his  punishments.  When  he  is  not 
thoroughly  provoked,  he  contents  himself  with 
arming  kings  against  kings,  and  people  against 
people  ;  he  reverses  the  order  of  the  seasons ;  he 
strikes  the  country  with  barrenness ;  he  spreads 
desolation,  famine,  and  death  on  the  earth.  But 
when  he  says  in  his  wrath,  what  chastisement  have 
I  yet  in  reserve  to  inflict  on  my  people,  and  what 
is  the  last  mark  of  mine  anger  that  I  can  shew  unto 
them — ''They,"  says  he,  "  which  led  them,  shall 
cause  them  to  err." 

Gracious  God !  what  is  my  lot  among  thy  Min- 
isters \  I  have  not  surely  so  far  forgotten  thee  as 
to  devote  my  ministry  to  the  service  of  the  ene- 
my of  mankind,  and  to  lead  to  perdition  those 
souls  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  by  the  precious 
blood  of  thine  own  Son !  If,  notv/ithstanding,  I 
pollute  the  ministry  of  thy  word  with  a  lukewarm 
spirit,  or  a  carnal  heart,  "I  am  set  for  the  fall 
of  many;"  and  thou  hast,  perhaps,  reserved  me 
unto  these  times  of  supineness  and  degeneracy, 
as  the  most  severe  scourge  with  which  thou  canst 
punish  the  indolent  inattention  of  sonie,  and  the 
daring  profligacy  of  others !  But,  if  an  unworthy 


Minister  be  set  fcr  the  fall  and  ruin,  a  godly  INfm- 
ister  is,  on  the  other  hand,  ordained  for  the  rismg 
and  salvation,  of  many. 

A  pastor  is  charged  with  the  welfare  of  God's 
people;  he  is  one  of  those  messengers  who  are 
continually  ascending  and  descending  the  ladder  - 
of  Jacob:  he  descends  from  it  in  order  that  he 
may  acquaint  himself  with  the  necessities  of  the 
Church ;  he  ascends  by  prayer,  that  he  may  bear 
them  before  the  throne  of  God,  and  open  the  bo- 
som of  inexhaustible  compassion  upon  the  wants 
of  the  Gospel-fold.  Abundant  are  the  graces, 
manifold  the  blessings,  Avhich  the  prayers  of  a 
righteous  Minister  bring  down  upon  the  Lord's 
vineyard.  They  are  the  supplications  of  a  pastor 
ordained  of  God,  who  prays  by  virtue  of  his  office 
in  the  name  of  the  w^hole  body  of  Christian  peo- 
ple, and  to  whose  prayers,  through  the  merits  and 
mediation  of  Christ,  the  ears  of  the  Fa.ther  are  al- 
ways open. 

There  is  nothing  which  the  intercessions  of  a 
godly  Shepherd  of  the  fiock  cannot  obtain  of  the 
Father  of  Mercies.  We  read,  that  the  Almighty, 
unwilling  to  be  prevented  from  punishing  the  Is- 
raelites, who  had  grievously  offended  Him,  conde- 
scended to  entreat  Moses  and  Aaron  not  to  with- 
hold his  arm,  lifted  up  to  chastise  the  iniquities  of 
his  people,  but  to  suffer  him  to  "  pour  upon  them 
his  hot  displeasure  ;"  as  though  it  had  not  been 
possible  for  him  to  withstand  the  power  of  their 
supplications,     A  pastor,  who  is  a  man  of  prayer, 


34 


may,  indeed,  be  said  to  be  ordained  for  the  salva- 
tion of  many. 

A  Minister  appears  in  the  sanctuary  as  the 
representative  of  Jesus  Christ,  beseeching  the  Fa- 
ther of  Mercies  to  protect  the  Church  against  the 
attacks  of  error,  to  unite  in  its  bosom  those 
who  have  separated  from  its  worship,  and  to  di- 
rect and  govern  it  in  all  its  proceedings,  wherever 
it  is  established  :  in  this  character  he  offers  pray- 
ers and  supplications  "  for  kings,  and  for  all  that 
are  in  authority,"  that  they  may,  by  their  au- 
thority, preserve  the  peace  of  the  Church,  and, 
by  their  example,  enforce  the  sancity  of  its  wor- 
ship. 

To  the  fervent  supplications  of  godly  Ministers 
the  Church  is  indebted  for  religious  princes,  faith- 
ful pastors,  the  birth  of  distinguished  men,  whom 
God  raises  up  from  time  to  time  to  awaken  man- 
kind to  defend  the  faith  against  the  subtilty  of 
error,  and  to  prevent  vanity  from  usurping  the 
place  of  truth :  to  the  same  source  must  we  attri- 
bute unexpected  occurrences  in  public  calamities  ; 
the  suspension  of  punishment ;  the  termination  of 
wars,  in  conjunctures  which  threatened  a  long 
continuance.  Those  who  judge  of  circumstances 
by  the  view  which  human  reason  presents,  ascribe 
them  to  the  wisdom  of  princes,  and  the  policy  of 
their  ministers  ;  whereas,  could  they  perceive 
events  in  their  causes,  they  might  find  them  to  be 
produced   by  some    obscure   Pastors,  who  have 


35 


greater  interest,  and  more  powerful  sway,  in  pub- 
lic events,  than  those  important  men  who  appear 
at  the  head  of  affairs,  and  seem  to  hold  in  their 
hands  the  fate  of  empires.  What  a  treasure,  then, 
has  the  earth  in  a  godly  Pastor  !  how  inestimable 
a  blessing  is  he,  not  merely  to  the  Church  of  which 
he  is  a  member,  but  to  society  at  large,  to  which 
he  belongs  !  Powerful,  then,  my  Reverend  Breth- 
ren, are  our  motives,  and  animating  our  induce- 
ments, to  renew  within  us  the  spirit  of  our  holy 
calling,  and  never  to  suffer  that  first  fervor  which 
consecrated  us  to  the  service  of  the  alter,  to  cool 
into  negligence,  or  be  smothered  with  lukewarm- 
ness. 

But  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel  is  a  fellow-laborer 
with  God  in  the  salvation  of  souls  by  the  preach- 
ing of  the  Word,  by  the  administration  of  the 
Sacraments,  by  the  discharge  of  all  the  pastoral 
duties  which  conduce  to  the  everlasting  happiness 
of  mankind.  A  holy  and  enlightened  pastor  is 
the  instrument  of  various  blessings  to  the  world. 
How  many  righteous  men  are,  through  his  means, 
supported  in  piety !  how  many  careless  sinners 
made  sensible  of  their  danger,  awakened  from 
their  impenitence,  converted  to  the  truth  by  the 
force  of  his  arguments,  and  the  persuasion  of  his 
life  !  If  he  preach  the  Word,  he  informs  the 
ignorant,  convinces  the  doubtful,  confirms  the 
pious  :  and  such  is  the  prevalence  of  his  example, 
that  it  at  once  instructs  and  persuades,  and  is  even 


36 

more  instrumental  in  bringing  sinners  to  God  than 
his  public  discourses.  What  blessings  then  may 
not  one  apostolic  Minister  diffuse  among  men  ! 
Twelve  only  *\vere  employed  m  the  conversion  of 
the  whole  earth. 

Although  a  righteous  Minister  shall  confine  all 
the  good  he  does  to  the  efficacy  of  an  exemplary 
and  edifying  life,  although  he  should  only  appear 
as  a  private  character,  his  engaging  demeanor, 
and  pious  conversation  v/ould  authorize  us  to  af- 
firm that  he  is  ordained  for  the  salvation  of  many. 
Great,  then,  is  the  blessing  to  mankind,  when 
God  sends  an  holy  Pastor,  whose  instructive  piety 
is  an  object  of  admiration  to  men  and  angels! 
Such  an  one  is  a  perpetual  Gospel,  which  mankind 
have  constantly  before  their  eyes,  and  against 
which  they  have  nothing  to  allege.  If  his  exam- 
ple does  not  reclaim,  it  at  least  inspires  them  with 
a  respect  for  virtue  ;  it  compels  them  at  least  to 
acknowledge  that  there  are  still  some  righteous 
men  upon  earth;  it  repairs  the  injury  which  is 
done  to  the  sacred  character  in  the  public  estima- 
tion by  unworthy  Ministers,  and  rescues  it  from  the 
contempt  into  which  it  is  fallen  by  the  irregularity 
of  their  manners  ;  it  corrects,  at  least,  the  censures 
and  derisions  which  profane  men  are  continually 
throwing  out  upon  the  sacred  ministry  ;  it  adds,  if 
I  may  be  allowed  to  say  it,  honor  to  the  charac- 
ter. For  it  is,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  against 
us,  chiefly,  that  the  world  delights  to  level  its  most 
poignant  darts  ;    it  forgives  nothing  in   a   profli-- 


37 

gate  pastor  ;  the  more  he  appears  to  love  it,  to  be 
attached  to  it,  the  more  he  becomes  the  object  of 
its  satire,  of  its  contempt,  and  indignation. 

In  one  word,  a  godly  Minister  is  one  of  the 
greatest  blessings  which  God  can  give,  or  society- 
receive.  What  were  the  mercies  promised  to  the 
Israelites,  by  his  Prophet,  if  they  would  return  to 
him,  and  renounce  the  evil  of  their  doings  ? — 
What  ? — the  empire  of  nations  ? — the  entire  de- 
struction of  their  enemies? — a  cessation  of  the 
evils  which  afflicted,  and  of  the  calamities  which 
overwhelmed,  them  ? — -a  land  flowing  with  milk 
and  honey  ? — He  had,  it  is  true,  in  preceding  ages, 
made  these  magnificent  promises,  but  the  posses- 
sion of  them  had  not  been  sufficiently  powerful  to 
confine  the  Israelites  to  the  observance  of  his  law, 
nor  to  prevent  them  from  offering  their  homage  to 
strange  gods : — He  renounces,  then,  these  splen- 
did promises,  so  admirably  calculated  to  make 
an  impression  upon  a  people,  whose  actions  were 
all  suggested  by  carnal  and  worldly  motives  ;  but 
it  is  only  for  the  purpose  of  making  them  a  pro- 
mise unspeakably  greater,  infinitely  more  pre- 
cious:— *' Turn,  O  backsliding  Israel,  saith  the 
*'  Lord,  and  I  will  bring  you  to  Zion,  and  give 
*'  you  pastors  according  to  mine  heart,  which  shall 
*'  feed  you  with  knowledge  and  understanding." 
Raise  up,  O  God,  faithful  priests  in  thy  Church, 
and  pastors  according  to  thine  heart.  We  ask  not, 
Father,  an  end  of  the  calamities  with  which  thou 
afflictest  us,  the  cessation  of  wars  and  of  tumults^ 

D 


38 

happier  seasons,  the  return  of  abundance  and  of 
prosperity -.—give  us  holy  pastors,  and  with  them 
thou  wih  give  us  every  thing! 

I  comprise  the  substance  and  utility  of  this  ex- 
hortation in  one  reflection ;  I  can  neither  singly 
destroy  nor  save  myself;  from  the  moment  I  be- 
came one  of  the  Lord's  Ministers,  I  have  been 
either  a  scourge  in  his  hands  for  the  affliction  of 
men,  or  a  blessing  sent  down  from  heaven  for 
their  salvation. 

How  powerful  a  motive  to  fidelity  in  the  dis- 
charge of  my  duty,  to  vigilance  over  my  conduct, 
to  zeal  in  my  ministry,  to  hope  or  dread  in  the 
expectation  of  the  second  coming  of  Jesus  Christy 
who  will  present  to  me  the  souls  he  had  entrusted 
to  my  care,  either  as  my  condemnation,  if  they  have 
perished,  or  as  my  glory  and  crown,  if,  through 
tny  ministry,  they  are  admitted  to  life  and  salvation  t 


CHARGE  II. 

ON  PROPRIETY  OF  CHARACTER 


They  brought  Jesus  to  Jerusalem  to  present  him  to 
the  Lord,  As  it  is  written  in  the  J^aw  of  the 
Lord  J  every  male  that  openeth  the  womb  shall 
he  called  holy  to  the  Lord, 


41 


CHARGE  II. 
ON  PROPRIETY  OF  CHARACTER. 


IT  was  prescribed  in  the  Law  of  Moses,  that 
every  first-born  among  the  Jews  should  be  dedi- 
cated to  the  service  of  the  temple  and  the  altar ; 
or,  as  it  is  expressed  by  St.  Luke,  "  called  holy 
to  the  Lord." 

Christ  Jesus,  the  first-born  among  his  brethren, 
represented  by  the  first-born  among  the  Jews,  ful- 
filled this  law,  and  explained  what  was  figurative 
and  mysterious  in  it.  His  consecration  to  the  altar 
is  the  foundation  of  our  holy  ministry  ;  we  are,  as 
it  were,  the  first-born  of  the  new-covenent ;  suc- 
ceeding, in  this  instance,  to  the  Jewish  privileges. 

We,  who  are  an  holy  priesthood,  are  separated 
from  the  world,  that  we  may  avoid  all  profane  in- 
tercourse with  it ;  that  we  may  so  devote  ourselves 
to  the  offices  of  Religion,  as  never  afterwards  to 
desert  the  sanctuary,  in  order  to  enter  into  *'  the 
tents  of  ungodliness." 

The  demeanor  of  the  Clergy  ought  not,  it  is 
true,  to  be  marked  by  unsocial  rigor,  and  forbid- 
ding austerity  :  called,  as  we  are,  to  bring  sinners 
to  salvation,  and,  as  their  visible  angels,  to  con^ 


42   ' 

duct  them,  we  must  seem  in  some  degree,  to  imi- 
tate their  customs,  and  adopt  their  manners. 

Our  ministry,  indeed,  necessarily  occasions  an 
intercourse  with  men ;  and  if  we  would  avoid  all 
society  with  sinners,  we  must,  as  the  Apostle 
speaks,  *'  go  out  of  the  world  ;'*  but  the  spirit  of 
the  Christian  priesthood  leads  us  to  conquer  its 
temptations,  by  withstanding^  and  not,  by  per- 
sonal flight,  to  escape  them. 

It  is  not,  indeed,  the  love  of  the  world  which 
pleases  by  its  kindness,  and  engages  by  its  atten- 
tions, that  I  shall  now  either  combat  with  argu- 
ment, or  reprehend  with  severity.  No  !  it  is  that 
love  of  the  world  which  exposes  us  to  shame, 
which  familiarizes  us  to  dissipation,  dishonors  the 
priesthood,  and  gives  oifence  to  every  pious  mind  ; 
it  is  that  powerful  attachment  to  its  cares  and  plea- 
sures, which  weans  us  from  the  holy  duties  of 
the  sanctuary ;  it  is  that  useless,  idle,  worldly  life, 
which  hurries  us  from  one  folly  to  another ;  en- 
chains us  to  the  conviviality  of  sinners,  to  the 
delights  of  their  conversation,  and  the  allure- 
ments of  their  voluptuousness ;  and  leads  us,  by 
imperceptible  degrees,  from  the  engagements 
of  the  world  to  its  amusements,  from  its  amuse- 
ments to  its  dangers,  and  from  its  dangers  to  its 
sins*.     Now  nothing,  surely,  is  so  incompatible 

*  '-'■  If  practical  Christian  Piety  and  Benevolence,  and  Self 
Go\  emment,  vvitli  constant  Zeal  to  promote  them  all  upoa 


with  therholiness  of  our  calling,  and  the  spirit  of 
our  ministry,  as  this  life  of  dissipation,  of  perpetual 
engagements,  of  general  inattention,  pursued,  it 
may  be,  without  the  remotest  design  of  evil.  Let 
us  illustrate  this  truth  : — it  is  sufficiently  impor- 
tant of  itself  to  form,  not  a  principal  part^  but  the 
sole  object,  of  this  exhortation* 

The  spirit  of  our  ministry  is  a  spirit  of  Separa- 
tion from  the  World ;  of  Prayer ;  of  Labour,  of 
Zeal ;  of  Knowledge  ;  of  Piety  :— let  us  observe 
each  of  these  characteristics.  Now,  they  all  be- 
come extinct  amidst  worldly  avocations,and  secular 
engagements* 

L  A  spirit  of  Separation  from  the  World.  I 
mention  this  first :  the  ministerial  office  consecrates 
us  to  whatever  concerns  the  reality,  or  the  appear- 
ance, of  Religion,  and  exempts  us,  at  the  same 
time,  from  a  discharge  of  many  of  the  public  of- 
fices of  society.  From  the  period  we  are  ordained 
we  cease  in  one  sense,  to  be  citizens  and  mem- 
bers of  the  state  :  united  with  other  men,  by  gen- 
eral duties,  to  its  interests,  v/e  form  a  separate 

Earth,  are  not  the  first  and  chief  Qualities,  which  your  Pa- 
rishioners and  acquaintance  will  ascribe  to  you  ;  if  they  will 
speak  of  you  as  noted  on  other  accounts,  but  pass  over  these 
articles  ;  and  when  asked  about  them  be  at  a  loss  what  to  say, 
excepting  possibly  that  they  know  no  harm  of  you  ;  all  is  not 
right :  nor  can  such  a  Clergy  answer  the  design  of  its  institu- 
tion any  where  ;  or  even  maintain  its  ground  in  a  country  of 
freedom  and  learning,  though  a  yet  worse  may  in  the  midst  of 
^l^Yery  and  ignorance.*'-— Abp.  Secker. 


44 


people.  It  is  not  that  we  plead  exemption  from 
obedience  to  the  laws,  and  ''  the  powers  that  are 
ordained  of  God  ;"  we  are  to  exhibit  to  the  rest 
of  men  an  example  of  allegiance  ;  we  do  not  cease 
to  be  members  of  the  state,  because  we  are  not 
.  called  upon  to  discharge  the  civil  offices  it  requires 
of  the  rest  of  its  members.  The  celebration  of 
the  Ordinances  of  Religion  becomes  our  chief, 
and,  almost,  our  only,  duty;  works  of  piety  and 
charity,  as  fiu'  as  is  in  our  power,  our  indispens- 
able obligations,  thereby  recommending  our  char- 
acters, and  adorning  our  lives ;  the  study  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  our  highest  pleasure,  and  pro- 
fessed  avocation. 

In  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  then,  every  thing 
is  holy  and  separated  from  common  use :  a  Clergy- 
man ought  to  be  distinguished  by  inherent  gravi- 
ty, the  more  readily  to  command  respect  from 
others,  and  by  that  degree  of  veneration  which  is 
necessary  to  give  solemnity  to  his  admonitions, 
and  effect  to  his  exhortations. 

II.  The  spirit  of  our  ministry  is,  in  the  second 
place,  a  Spirit  of  Prayer*  :  prayer  is  the  ornament 
of  the  priesthood,  the  leading  principle  of  our 
character  ;  without  prayer,  a  Minister  is  of  no  use 
to  the  Church,  nor  of  any  advantage  to  mankind  : 
he  sows,  and  God  gives  no  encrease  ;  he  preaches, 
and  his  words  are  only  like  ''  sounding  brass,  or 

*  Vide,  Charg-e  XIV.  • 


45 


tinkling  cymbal :"  he  recites  the  praises  of  God, 
*'  whilst  his  heart  is  far  from  him."  It  is  prayer 
alone,  then,  which  gives  the  whole  strength  and 
efficacy  to  our  different  administrations;  and  that 
man  ceases,  if  I  may  use  the  expression,  to  be  a 
public  Minister,  from  the  time  he  ceases  to  pray  : 
it  is  prayer  which  supplies  him  with  consolations 
in  all  his  labours  ;  and  he  celebrates  the  Ordi- 
nances of  Religion  as  the  hireling  performs  his 
work — he  considers  them  as  a  heavy  task,  or  a 
severe  imposition — if  prayer  doth  not  assuage  its 
troubles,  or  console  him  for  the  want  of  success. 

It  will  not  be  considered  a  deviation  from  the. 
subject  to  examine — Whether,  after  departing 
from  a  profane  assembly,  where  many  dangerous 
objects  have  fastened  on  your  mind — whether,  af- 
ter withdrawing  from  a  scene  of  noise  and  riot, 
where  every  thing  was  unlike  Religion,  you  felt 
in  yourself  those  dispositions  to  piety,  and  attach- 
ments to  godliness,  by  which  a  Christian  minister 
should,  invariably,  be  distinguished — whether 
your  mind  did  not  hold  a  closer  converse  with  the 
world  than  with  God — and  whether,  of  course, 
your  ministry,  which  ought  to  be  a  ministry  of 
reconciliation  and  of  life,  will  not  become  a  minis- 
try of  condemnation  and  of  death?  Appeal  to  your 
own  hearts.  As  soon  as  the  world  shall  have  ex- 
tinguished in  you  the  spirit  of  prayer,  you  will 
lose,  by  little  and  little,  all  regard  to  the  duty, 
and  all  delight  in  the  exercise,  of  it ;  you  will  per- 
form it  seldom  ;  you  will  be  careless  and  irreverent 


46 

whilst  you  arc  employed  in  your  devotions,  and 
ivill  soon  entirely  neglect  to  fulfil  them ; — you, 
whose  indispensable  duty  it  is,  **  to  weep  between 
**  the  porch  and  the  altar,"  for  the  sins  of  your 
people,  you  will  not  even  be  concerned  for  your 
own  :  you  will  extenuate  the  vanities,  and  justify 
the  pleasures,  of  the  world,  by  partaking  of  them  ; 
and  instead  of  alarming  your  piety,  and  awakening 
your  zeal,  they  w^ill  flatter  your  taste ^  and  corrupt 
your  innocence*". 

III.  The  spirit  of  our  ministry  is  also  a  spirit  of 
Lctbour ;  the  priesthood  is  a  laborious  dignity  ;  the 
Church,  whose  ministers  we  are,  is  a  vine,  a  field, 
an  harvest,  a  building  not  yet  finished,  an  holy 
warfare ;  all  which  expressions  indicate  trouble, 
and  imply  diligence  ;  they  are  all  so  many  symbols 
of  application  and  industry.  A  Clergyman  is  placed 
in  the  Church,  as  our  first  parent  was  in  paradise^ 
to  till,  and  to  defend  it. 

Thus,  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel  is  accountable 
to  society  for  his  time  :   every  part  which  he  em- 

*  "  I  do  not  say  that  Recreations,  lawful  in  themselves,  are 
imhuvful  to  us ;  or  that  those  which  have  been  formerly-  prohi- 
bited by  ecclesiastical  rules,  merely  as  disreputable,  may  not 
cease  to  be  so  by  change  of  custom.  But  still  not  all  things 
lawful  are  eocfiedient^  and  certainly  these  things,  further  than 
they  are  in  truth  requisite  for  health  of  body,  refreshment  of 
mind,  or  some  really  valuable  purpose,  are  all  a  misemploy- 
ment  of  our  leisure  hours,  which  we  ought  to  set  our  people 
a  pattern  of  filling  up  well.  A  Minister  of  God's  word,  atten- 
tive to  his  duty,  will  neither  have  leisure  for  such  dissipation^, 
public  or  doiBestic,  ngr  liking  tQ  them,— -Abp.  Secker. 


47 


plovs  in  frivolous  and  unnecessary  engagements, 
dl  the  davs  that  he  passes  in  folly  and  dissipation, 
all  are  days  and  moments  .vhich  he  owes  to  the  sal- 
vation  of  his  brethren,  and  for  the  just  application 
of  which  he  must  answer  at  the  judgment-seat  ot 
Christ.     His  leisure,  his  occupations,  his  talents, 
are  consecrated  possessions,  the  joint  heritage  of 
his  flock,  which  ought  to  be  invariably  adapted, 
and  judiciously  applied,  to  Produce  the  amend- 
tnent  of  sinners,  the  confirmation  of  the  doubtful, 
and  the  perseverance  of  the  righteous. 

Surely,  then,  a  Christian  Minister  ought  not  to 
be  employed  in  going  with  idle  curiosity    from 
house  to  house,  from  one  scene  to  another.  What, 
shall  he  consume  his  valuable  time  in  ease  and  in- 
dolence! not  only  reproachful  to  his  character  as 
a  Clergyman,  but  even,  in  general  estimation,  im- 
proper in  any  one  who  has  the  pre-eminence  of  an 
intelligem,  or  the  virtue  of  a  moral,  bemg?  You  '. 
a  man  of  God,  an  interpreter  of  his  law,  his  am- 
bassador among  men-will  you  forget  your  title, 
your  calling,   his  imerests,   his  glory,  and  your 
own?— and  will  you  depreciate  your  dignity  by 
a  conduct  which  renders  you,  not  only  the  dis- 
grace of  the   Church,  but  the  very  bane  of  civil 
society,  and  an  object  of  contempt  in  the  eyes  ot 
those  "  who  see  nothing"  in  Religion  "that  they 
should  desire  it  ?"  Every  state  hath  its  peculiar  du- 
ties:    the  magistrate,  the  soldier,  the  merchant, 
the  artisan,  all  have  their  several  employments ; 
a  worldly  Minister,  whose  cares,  it  might  be  ex- 


48 

pccted,  would  increase  in  proportion  as  the  vices 
of  men  are  multiplied,  he  alone  hath  no  serious 
employment ;  he  passes  his  days,  if  not  in  indo- 
lence, at  least  in  cares  foreign  from  his  profession  : 
and  the  life  which  ought  to  be  the  most  occupied, 
and  the  most  respectable  in  society,  becomes  the 
most  disgraceful  and  contemptible. 

So  long  as  their  are  sinful  creatures  to  reclaim — . 
ignorant  people  to  instruct- — weak  men  to  support 
— and  gainsaying  unbelievers  to  convince — ought 
a  Minister  of  the  Gospel  to  be  immersed  in  re- 
proachful avocations  ?  It  is  related  in  the  Sacred 
Writings,  that  Nehemiah  occupied  in  building  the 
temple,  was  solicited  by  the  officers  of  the  King 
of  Persia  to  meet  them  in  the  plain  of  Ono,  to  re- 
new a  covenant  with  them ;  but  this  holy  man,  en- 
gaged in  so  pious  an  u^idertaking,  and  not  think- 
ing himself  warranted  in  interrupting  it  on  so  slight 
an  occasion,  replied — "  I  am  doing  a  great  work, 
*'  so  that  I  cannot  come  down:  why  should  the 
*' work  cease  whilst  I  leave  it?"  Is  a  Minister^ 
occupied  in  repairing  the  spiritual  edifice  of  the 
Church,  in  raising  a  temple  to  the  living  God  in 
the  hearts  of  men,  charged  with  a  work  of  less 
importance  ?  And  what  should  be  his  reply  to 
those,  who,  under  frivolous  pretences,  would 
engage  him  in  the  folly  of  the  world?  What — 
but  the  wise  answer  of  the  Jewish  chief—''  I  am 
"  doing  a  great  work,  so  that  I  cannot  come  down  : 
"  why  should  the  work  cease  whilst  I  leave 
''it?"    What  more  worthy  of  his  ministry,  and 


49 

more  respectable  in  the  eyes  of  men,  then  not  to 
suffer  himsielf  to  be  diverted,  by  the  most  importu- 
nate solicitations,  from  the  duties  of  his  calling  ? 
than  to  act  upon  the  persuasion,  that  all  the  time 
which  he  unnecessary  gives  to  the  world,  is  so 
much  time  which  he  alienates  from  the  building 
of  the  holy  Jerusalem,  and  which  delays  the  ac- 
complishment of  the  work  of  God  upon  earth  ? 

IV.  In  the  fourth  place,  the  spirit  of  our  mini- 
stry is  a  spirit  of  Knowledge.  "  The  lips  of  the 
*'  priest,"  says  the  Scripture,  "  should  keep  know- 
*'  ledge,  and  the  people  should  seek  the  law  at 
*'•  his  mouth,  for  he  is  the  messenger  of  the  Lord 
'^  of  Hosts."  We  are  commanded  to  read,  with 
attention,  the  Sacred  Volume,  devoting  to  it  all 
the  labour  of  application,  and  fatigue  of  study, 
which  the  profound  subjects  contained  in  it  de-^ 
mand ;  we  are  to  be  supported  by  the  bread  of 
life,  derived  from  the  heavenly  writings ;  we  are 
to  adorn  the  inward  part  of  our  souls  w  ith  the  law 
of  God,  as  the  Jewish  priests  ornamented  the  out- 
side of  their  garments.  The  Holy  Scriptures  are 
the  substance,  the  foundation,  of  the  Christian 
priesthood.  The  Ministers  of  the  Gospel  have  been 
sometimes  compared  to  the  two  great  lights  which 
are  placed  in  the  firmament,  to  rule  over  the  day, 
and  over  the  night ;  over  the  day,  in  directing  the 
faith  and  confirming  the  piety  of  Christians  ;  and 
over  the  night,  in  enlightening  the  darkness  of 
error,  and  expelling  the  evils  of  unbelief.  We  are 
the  interpreters   of  the  law,  appointed  of  God  to 


50 


resolve  the  doubts  of  his  people,  and  to  make 
known  his  will ;  the  guardians  of  the  Church,  in 
the  midst  of  the  schisms  which  divide,  of  the  trou- 
bles which  afflict,  and  of  the  malignity  which  dis- 
tracts it. 

Fulfil  now,  if  it  be  possible,  these  important  du- 
ties, in  the  midst  of  pursuits  which  alienate,  and 
of  engagements  which  corrupt,  the  mind  ;  for  the 
knowledge  required  of  a  Clergyman  is  essential  to, 
and  inseparable  from,  a  right  and  conscientious 
discharge  of  the  sacred  ministry.  Now,  nothing  is 
more  adverse  to  the  love  of  study,  than  the  love 
of  the  world;  its  pleasures  and  dissipations  first 
suppress,  and  afterwards  extinguish,  the  taste  for 
reading,  and  the  love  of  meditation ;  if  we  would 
possess  and  indulge  an  inclination  to  read,  we  must 
have  a  mind  accustomed  to  think,  to  rrbeditate,  to 
be  collected  within  itself;  wc  must  feel  an  ardent 
desire  progressively  to  advance  in  useful  learning, 
and  professional  knowledge  ;  we  must  so  arrange 
our  life,  and  regulate  our  time,  as  to  be  able  to 
give  an  account  to  ourselves,  whether  the  parts  of 
the  day  appointed  for  serious  study  and  ministe- 
rial avocations,  be  uniformly  applied  to  the  intend- 
ed purpose.  For  the  want  of  this  proper  arrange- 
ment of  time,  and  the  right  application  of  it,  we 
see  some  Clergymen  more  conversant  with  the 
nature  of  diversions,  of  amusements,  and  of  se- 
cular business,  than  with  their  professional  duties: 
hence  too  many,  who,  by  an  ignorance  of  their 
profession,  disgrace  the  sacred  character.     When 


51 

once  study  is  neglected,  piety  declines.  The 
love  of  books,  alone,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  can 
render  you  superior  to  the  love  of  diversions  ; 
and  so  long  as  you  do  not  find  within  yourselves 
a  resource  for  indolence,  the  diversions  of  the 
world  will,  it  is  too  probable,  become  essential  to 
your  happiness ;  you  will  not  be  able  to  live  with- 
out them.  In  vain  you  may  prescribe  to  your- 
selves fixed  limits,  and  certain  rules  ;  in  vain  you 
may  form  resolutions  of  appropriating  your  time 
in  part  to  your  studies,  and  in  part  to  your  a- 
musements :  the  love  of  the  world  will  encrease 
everyday,  and  in  proportion  as  it  encreases,  the 
love  of  books  v/ill  decline,  and  knowledge,  pro- 
fessional knowledge,  will  cease  to  be  estimable. 
Not  only  so,  but  your  dislike  to  the  study  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures  will  hourly  gain  ground ; 
you  will  not  be  able  to  support  a  moment  of  severe 
application,  or  serious  reading ;  and  idleness  and 
dissipation  will  have  such  an  ascendancy  over  your 
pursuits  and  habits,  that  whatever  remains  of  your 
profession  will  serve  but  to  reproach  and  condemn 
you. 

V.  The  spirit  of  our  ministry  is,  in  the  last  place, 
a  spirit  of  Piety.  By  a  spirit  of  piety,  I  mean,  not 
only  innocence  of  manners,  but  that  peace  of  con- 
science, that  love  of  God,  which  the  very  appear- 
ance of  evil  disquiets  and  alarms:  the  spirit  of 
piety  is  the  great  support  of  our  ministry.  We 
may  be  said  to  live  under  its  sacred  influence.  In 
the  midst  of  our  congregations,  in  the  preaching  of 


52 

the  word,  in  private  prayer,  and  in  the  study  of 
the  Scriptures,  we  employ  our  time ;  and  if  such 
pursuits  fail  to  maintain  in  our  hearts  the  love  of 
God,  and  to  produce  the  most  salutary  effects  on 
our  conduct,  wretched  men  that  we  are,  "  who 
*'  shall  deliver  us  from  the  wrath  to  come  l" 

A  life  in  which  the  love  of  the  world  is  predomi- 
nant, is  incompatible  with  that  dignified  and  edi- 
fying piety,  which  should  be  the  distinguishing 
characteristic  of  the  sacred  ministry ;  it  is  this 
spirit  of  piety  alone  which  can  ensure  to  us  utility. 
For,  after  having  freely  mixed  in  the  diversions 
and  follies  of  the  world,  can  you  appear  in  a  Chris- 
tian pulpit  impressed  Avith  a  sense  of  the  impor. 
tance  of  the  Gospel,  and  zealous  for  its  success? 
With  what  face  can  you  speak  of  the  perils  to 
which  we  are  exposed  in  the  world,  of  the  snares 
which  the  Devil  lays  to  beguile  our  innocence,  of 
the  necessity  of  prayer,  of  vigilance,  of  the  account 
we  are  to  render  of  an  unprofitable  life,  and  of  all 
those  evangelical  graces  which  are  indispensably 
requisite  to  adorn  our  christian  character,  when 
scarce  a  vestige  of  them  can  be  discerned  in  your 
own  ?  in  order  to  ''  preach  Christ,  and  him  cruci- 
*'  fied,"  we,  like  the  Apostles,  must  be  ''  cruci- 
"  fied  with  Christ,"  dead  to  the  affections  and 
lusts  of  the  world  ;  in  order  to  inspire  a  love  of 
God,  and  of  the  things  of  heaven,  we  must  possess 
that  love  ourselves ;  in  order  to  impress  the 
hearts  of  our  hearers,  we  must  be  actuated  by 
similar     impressions.      Now,    should    you    even 


55 

speak  in  the  pulpit  with  an  apparent  zeal,  should 
you  pronounce  the  most  lively,  affecting,  and  elo- 
quent, expressions,  in  what  view  do  you  wish  to 
be  considered  by  your  hearers?  What  alternate 
emotions  of  shame,  of  pity,  and  contempt,  will 
they  not  feel,  when  they  hear  you  deplore  the  pre- 
vailing degeneracy  of  morals  ?  Will  not  your  la- 
mentations sound  in  their  ears  as  the  artificial 
lamentations  of  a  theatre  ?  You  will,  it  may  be, 
appear  to  them  as  having  acted  your  part  well  ; 
and  all  the  holiness,  all  the  majesty,  all  the  terror 
of  the  Gospel,  will  be  no  more  in  their  estimation, 
than  a  profane  exhibition  of  despicable  vanity  ;  no 
more  than  the  result  of  a  classical  judgment,  and  a 
refined  taste. 

It  is  not  easy,  indeed,  to  support,  in  the  midst 
t)f  the  world,  all  the  decorum  of  our  ministry. 
Success  in  our  calling  is  only  attached  to  ardor  of 
zeal,  and  innocence  of  manners.  The  appearance 
of  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  places  of  public 
diversions,  common  prudence,  therefore,  dictates 
should  be  rare.  In  exhibiting  ourselves  in  every 
place  of  entertainment,  we  lose  the  reverence 
which  is  interwoven  with  our  character :  it  is  dif- 
ficult to  be  every  nioment  on  our  guard ; — and 
the  smallest  deviation  from  the  path  of  propriety, 
is  misrepresented  by  calumny,  and  exaggerated 
by  malevolence,  into  a  sin  of  the  deepest  dye.  It 
is  easy  to  lose,  it  is  difiicult  to  preserve,  our  res- 
pectability, when  we  enter  into  the  public  amuse^ 
ments  of  life  ;  and,   although  we  do  not  imitate 


54 


the  manners,  and  pursue  the  irregularities  we  sec^ 
we  assuredly,  render  our  vocation  less  useful,  and 
our  virtues  suspicious. 

Let  us,  then,  endeavour  to  extinguish  in  our 
hearts  an  attachment  to  the  world  and  to  its  vanities. 
Having  devoted  ourselves  to  the  service  of  God, 
having  sincerely  resolved  to  cast  oif  the  love  of 
sublunary  things,  let  us  address  ourselves  to  the 
Almighty,  in  the  language  of  good  old  Simeon, 
= — ''  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servants  depart 
in  peace,"  from  the  profane  engagements  of  the 
world,  *'  since  our  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation/^ 


CHARGE  IIL 

ON  ZEAL. 


When  he  had  made  a  scourge  of  small  cords  ^  he  drov^ 
them  out  of  the  Temple, 


57 
CHARGE  III. 

ON  ZEAL. 


THE  first  office  of  our  Lord's  ministry  in  Jeru- 
salem was  an  exercise  and  display  of  zeal  against 
the  abuses  which  dishonour  the  glory  of  his  Father, 
and  the  sanctity  of  his  Temple.  That  divine 
meekness,  which  had  hitherto  distinguished  his 
whole  conduct,  was,  on  this  occasion,  changed  in- 
to an  holy  severity.  He  could  not  endure  a  pubUc 
offence,  which  insulted  Religion  in  the  Lord's 
sanctuary.  In  vain  did  the  Pharasees  tolerate  this 
abuse,  in  vain  was  it  supported  by  universal  and 
ancient  custom ;  these  seem  the  very  considera- 
tions w^hich  awakened  his  indignation ;  and  the 
more  difficult  and  dangerous  the  remedy  appeared, 
the  less  delay  and  caution  did  he  use  in  aboHshing 
this  profanation  of  the  temple. 

The  first  example  which  our  Lord  hath  left  to 
his  Ministers  in  the  public  exercise  of  their  pro- 
fession, is  observable  in  the  zeal  which  he  exhibit- 
ed against  those  vices  that  insult  the  glory  of  God, 
and  profane  the  holiness  of  religion.  He  sends  us, 
indeed,  as  lambs,  who  are  to  be  silent  and  gentle 
in  the  midst  of  ill-treatment  j  but  who  are  directed 


5S 


to  raise  our  voice,  and  "  to  cry  aloud/'  when  the 
glory  of  the  Lord,  whose  ministers  we  are,  is  dis^ 
paraged  by  the  neghgent,  affronted  by  the  careless, 
and  contemned  by  the  profligate.  He  disapproved, 
it: is  true,  the  zeal  of  the  two  disciples  who  called 
for  fire  from  heaven  on  an  unbelieving  city  ;  but  he 
blamed  only  their  unrestrained  indignation,  and 
unhallowed  bitterness  :  He  condemned  the  zeal 
w^hich  would  punish  rather  than  reclaim,  and 
taught  us,  that,  without  charity,  zeal  is  no  more 
than  violence  of  temper,  and  not  an  impulse  of 
grace. 

I  this  day  propose  to  your  attention,  that  a  true, 
religious  zeal,  is  essentially  requisite  in  the  char- 
acter of  a  Christian  Minister,  And,  then,  why 
this  zeal  is  so  seldom  found  among  us. 

I.  From  the  period  in  which  the  Church  has  as- 
sociated us  to  the  holy  ministry,  we  become  '*la. 
*'  bourers  together  with  God,"  for  the  salvation 
of  our  brethren  ;  we,  in  some  measure,  enter  into 
the  priesthood  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  who  became 
a  priest  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  domi- 
nion of  sin,  of  restoring  to  his  Father  the  glory 
of  which  the  malice  of  men  had  robbed  him,, 
and  of  forming  a  spiritual,  faithful  people,  an 
assembly  of  saints,  to  glorify  him  throughout  the 
earth. 

Thus,  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel  is  charged  with 
the  interests  of  the  Lord,  and  with  the  holiness  of 


381 


fnen  :  his  pVayers,  his  desires,  his  studies,  his  ex:- 
ertions,  are  all  to  be  directed  to  the  salvation  of 
his  brethren,  as  to  their  only  end  ;  Avhatever  does 
not  relate  to  this  grand  object  is  foreign  to  die 
design  of  his  vocation  ;  his  time  should  be  em- 
ployed, and  his  talents  devoted,  to  induce  men  to 
*'  worship  their  Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth  ;''  he 
who  is  embarrassed  with  other  cares,  renounces 
the  dignity  of  his  high  calling. 

Elijah  ascending  to  heaven,  and  leaving  the  spi- 
rit of  his  zeal  to  his  disciple  Elisha,  w^as  a  type  of 
Christ,  who,  after  having  sat  down  at  the  right 
hand  of  his  Father,  sent  the  spirit  of  zeal  upon  his 
disciples,  w^hich  was  to  be  the  seal  of  their  mission 
and  the  credential  of  their  ministry  ;  and,  in  con- 
sequence, to  reform  mankind,  and  to  carry  to  all 
nations  the  know^ledge  of  salvation,  and  the  love 
of  the  truth.  No  sooner  were  they  filled  with 
the  Holy  Ghost,  than  these  m.en,  before  so  timid, 
and  so  diligent  to  conceal  themselves  from  the 
fury  of  the  Jews,  despised  danger,  and  defied  pun- 
ishment :  they  bare  testimony  in  presence  of  the 
high  priests,  of  the  resurrection  of  Jesus,  and 
*'  departed  from  the  council,  rejoicing  to  be  thought 
*'  worthy  to  suifer  shame  for  his  name." 

But  the  ardour  of  their  zeal  could  not  be  con- 
fined to  the  land  of  Judea ;  they  went  from  coun- 
try to  country,  from  nation  to  nation  ;  they  spread 
themselves  throughout  the  extremities  of  the  earth; 
they  preached  "  the. foolishness  of  the  cross"  to 


60 


the  most  polished  of  all  people,  whose  boast  was 
m  the  power  of  their  eloquence,  and  the  excellence 
of  their  philosophy.  The  obstacles,  which  every 
where  presented  themselves  to  their  zeal,  far 
from  discouraging,  confirmed  their  resolution, 
and  enflamed  their  piety  :  the  whole  world  conspi- 
red against  them  ;  and,  in  the  midst  of  punishment, 
and  in  the  sight  of  death,  "  they  cannot,"  they 
say,  "  but  speak  what  they  have  heard  and  seen." 
Such  was  the  spirit  of  the  priesthood,  and  of  the 
apostleship  which  they  had  received. 

Consider,  now,  to  what  we  are  dedicated,  in  re- 
ceiving  imposition  of  hands.  The  Church,  it  is  true, 
doth  not  require  each  of  us  to  preach'the  covenant 
of  grace  and  mercy  to  barbarous  nations,  and  to 
sprinkle  with  our  blood  the  most  distant  countries, 
in  order  that  we  may  disseminate  the  Gospel,  and 
lead  to  a  knowledge  of  its  author,  people  who  have 
never  heard  his  name.  No  !  What  is  required  of 
us  is,  to  watch,  lest  the  enemy  of  mankind  sow 
tares  in  this  sacred  field ;  to  cultivate  the  plants 
which  our  heavenly  Father  hath  there  planted. 

Now,  should  we  deserve  to  bear  the  name  of  the 
Ministers  of  the  Holy  Jesus,  if  we  could,  unmoved^ 
perceive  iniquity  and  sin  predominant  among  men 
— faith  dead — holiness  extinct — God  almost  un- 
known among  us, — and  Christians,  the  peculiar 
people,  dishonouring  the  Redeemer,  by  excesses, 
which,  in  them  who  have  never  "  named  the  name 
of  Christ,"  would  excite  a  blush  ? 


61  ' 

WlicnCe  comes  it,  that  the  desolation  of  Christ^S 
hevifage,  of  which  we  arc  every  day  witnesses,  doth 
not  sensibly  more  affect  us  ?    Whence    is  it,    that 
we  think  ourselves  discharged  from  our  obliga- 
tions,  when  we  have  repeated,  often  without  de- 
votion, the  prayers  which  the  Church  requires  of 
us  ?     Can  we,  as  the  Ministers  of  the  Lord,  suffer 
our  brethren,  who  are  the  living  temples  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  to  perish  ?     Is  not  the  most  essential 
of  our  obligations  that  into  which  all  the  rest  are 
resolved,  the  edification,  and  the  salvation  of  men  ? 
The  Church  doth  not  acknowledge,  in  the  sacred 
profession,  idle  labourers,  the  work  of  which    is 
committed  to  us  all ;    for  a    Clergyman,  who   is 
of  no  use   to  society,   is  an  usurper  of  the  priest- 
hood :  he  hath  no  farther  right  to  the  title  of  a 
Minister  of  the  Gospel,  than  as  he  hath  a  zeal  for 
its  duties. 

11.  Whence  comes  it,  that  zeal  for  the  temple 
of  the  Lord,  this  holy  ardour  for  the  salvation  of 
men,  this  lively  desire  to  extend  the  kingdom  of 
God,  this  poignant  grief  to  see  his  doctrine  des- 
pised, and  the  greatest  part  of  mankind  going  the 
way  that  leads  to  destruction;  whence  comes  it, 
that  these  dispositions,  so  congenial  to  our  voca- 
tion, so  honourable  to  our  ministry,  so  common, 
formerly,  among  the  first  preachers  of  the  Gospel, 
are  now  so  seldom  to  be  found  among  the  Pastors 
of  the  Church !  Whence  comes  it,  I  again  en- 
quire, that  this  zeal  more  necessary  at  this  day 
than  ever,  should  seem  extinct  in  the  greatest  part 

G 


6^ 


of  those,  who,  it  might  be  expected,  would  be 
invigorated  by  its  principle,  and  enlivened  by  its 
ardour. 

The  Church  is,  with  one  description  of  men,  a 
mere  state  of  convenience  ;  tlley  enjoy  its  revenues 
from  the  patronage  of  the  great,  or  the  patrimony 
of  their  families  ;  and  are,  therefore,  they  think, 
authorized  to  lead  an  indolent  and  voluptuous  life; 
they  consider  their  situation  as  a  privilege  which 
exempts  them  from  the  laborious  duties  of  the  mi- 
nistry ;  and  leave  to  the  lower  order  of  the  Clergy, 
I  had  almost  said,  all  concern  for  God's  glory,  for 
the  honour  of  the  Church,  and  for  the  salvation  of 
those  souls  for  whom  Christ  died.  We  might, 
therefore,  conclude,  that  labourers  are  sent  by  com- 
pulsion into  the  Gospel-field  ;  and  that  the  Lord's 
Ministers  need  neither  be  prompted  by  love  nor 
stimulated  by  zeal  :  we  might,  therefore,  con- 
clude, that  to  promote  the  work  of  Redemption,  to 
aid  the  grand  scheme  which  the  Son  of  God  came 
Into  the  world  to  execute,  was  reserved  for  those 
whom  indigence  and  poverty  compelled  to  be  em- 
ployed in- it. 

Now,  by  partaking  so  abundantly  of  the  reve- 
nues of  the  Church,  are  you  thereby  exempted  from 
the  obligations  of  your  profession  ?  When  you  en- 
tered into  the  Ministry,  did  the  Church  confer 
upon  you  the  privilege  of  being  indolent  ?  or  did 
it  include  you  in  the  number  of  its  labourers  and 
its  Ministers  ?  How !  Because  you  have  been 
more  fortunate,  though,  perhaps,  less  deserving. 


63 


than  other  men ;  because  the  Church  hath  blessed 
you  with  its  treasures,  are  you  to  be  disobedient 
to  its  commands,  and  neghgent  of  its  duties  ?  The 
abundance  which  you  possess,  as  it  would  add  au- 
thority to  your  remonstrances,  and  weight  to  your 
persuasion,  ought  to  stimulate  you  to  high  exer- 
tions in  the  discharge  of  your  ministerial  engage- 
ments, and  not  to  become  a  pretence  for  entrusting 
the  salvation  of  souls  to  the  care  of  others.  Whe- 
ther our  ecclesiastical  situation  be  exalted  or  ob- 
scure, it  is  equally  incumbent  on  us  to  fulfil  the 
ministry  we  have  received  of  the  Lord.  The  great 
Apostle  considered  it  as  a  cause  of  glorying,  and 
of  the  success  of  his  apostleship,  to  have  preached 
the  Gospel  without  reward.  To  this  noble  disin" 
terestedness,  he  attributed  the  abundant  fruits 
which  the  Word  of  God  had  produced  among 
mankind,  by  his  ministry. 

And  indeed,  does  not  a  godly  Pastor,  who  at 
once  administers  to  the  wants  of  the  body,  and  is 
attentive  to  the  salvation  of  the  soul,  excite  a  vene- 
ration for  a  profession,  calculated  to  render  those 
who  have  embraced  it,  liberal  in  the  distribution  of 
the  emoluments  they  receive  from  it?  With  what 
blessings  does  a  Minister  of  this  character  see  his 
labours  accompanied  ?  What  an  impression  do  his 
words  and  his  exhortations  make,  upon  hearts  al- 
ready prepared,  by  his  liberality,  for  the  reception 
of  the  Gospel!  Men  reverence  a  Religion  so  com- 
passionate towards  the  unhappy  :  and  they  are 
equally  affected  with  the  blessings  they  receive  from 
it,  and  with  the  sins  they  have  committed  against  it. 


64 


A  second  cause  of  want  of  zeal  is  the  cold  and 
languishing  state  of  the  heart ;  it  is  the  want  of 
love  towards  God,  and  of  charity  towards  men. 
In  vain  do  we  flatter  ourselves  with  unimpeachable 
regularity  ;  in  vain  do  we  challenge  the  acuteness 
of  enquiry  to  investigate  our  conduct ;  we  are,  not- 
withstanding, dead  in  the  sight  of  God  ;  the  love 
of  God,  which  is  inseparable  from  the  love  of  our 
neighbour,  is  extinct  in  our  heart :  the  vital 
PRINCIPLE  IS  WANTING.  Did  wc,  indeed,  love 
God, — were  we  impressed  with  a  sense  of  our 
duty  to  promote  his  glory,  bound,  as  we  are,  by 
the  spirit  of  our  ministry, — is  it  possible  that  we 
could  perceive,  with  indifference,  his  Majesty 
every  day,  and  in  every  place,  insulted  by  the  ex- 
cess, and  outraged  by  the  profligacy,  which  per- 
vade the  whole  earth  ? 

What  are  the  characters,  then,  by  which  we  may 
know  how  the  principle  of  the  love  of  God  ope- 
rates in  the  heart  of  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel  ? 
He  is  impressed  with  a  lively  sorrow  when  he  sees 
the  sovereign  of  the  universe  provoked,  and  his 
law  contemned,  by  the  greater  part  of  those, 
whom,  Avith  the  most  gracious  design,  and  for 
the  most  benevolent  purpose,  the  great  Creator 
called  into  being  :  he  is  actuated  by  an  ai'dent 
desire  to  confine  to  God  alone  the  worship  which 
is  due  to  his  Supreme  Majesty,  and  inexhaus-. 
tible  goodness;  he  is  impelled  by  an  holy  zeal 
to  deliver  up  himself,  to  render  his  feeble  ta- 
lents subservient  to  extend  the  glory,  and  exalt 
the  name,   of  Ichovah,   aad  to    iiispire  all  men 


65 


with  the  same  affections  of  fear,  of  love,  of  thanks- 
giving, which  preside  in  his  own  heart.  We  can- 
not love  an  object,  and  be  insensible  to  the  insults 
offered  to  the  object  of  our  love  :  and  we  cannot 
be  possessed  of  such  sensibility,  without  employ- 
ing every  power,  and  exerting  every  facult}',  to 
prevent,  or,  at  least,  to  avert  them,  especially 
when,  independent  of  the  obligation  common  to 
all,  our  ministry  enjoins  it,  as  a  personal  and  in- 
dispensable duty  ;  a  duty  which  is  the  very  foun- 
dation, and  which  comprises  in  it  all  the  other 
obligations,  of  our  sacred  calling. 

And  although  our  zeal  should  not  be  productive 
of  any  very  unusual  effects ;  although  the  truths 
which  we  preach  to  sinners  should  fall  upon  hearts 
dead  to  all  sense  of  Religion,  we  should  possess 
the  consolation  of  having  contributed  to  the  glory 
of  God,  by  endeavouring,  as  much  as  possible,  to 
bring  all  men  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth.  The 
Almighty  doth  not  always  comfort  his  Ministers 
with  the  appearance  of  immediate  and  visible  suc- 
cess, lest  man  should  attribute  to  himself  that  ef- 
fect which  is  produced  only  by  his  grace  :  but  his 
word  always  v/orks  in  secret ;  the  holy  seed,  which 
seems  to  have  fallen  upon  an  unprepared  soil,  is 
not  entirely  lost,  but  will,  sooner  or  later,  bring 
forth  fruits  of  salvation.  God  has  his  moments  : 
and  it  is  not  for  us  to  arraign  his  wisdom,  or  at- 
tempt to  prescribe  bounds  to  his  power :  His  spi. 
rit  works  where,  and  when  he  pleases :  we  see  the 
changes  he  produces ;  but  the  hidden  admirable 


66 


ways  by  which  he  produces  them,  no  one  knows  : 
they  are  the  profound  mysteries  of  Providence, 
which  will  only  be  revealed  in  the  great  day  of  the 
Lord.  Of  us  he  demands  solicitude,  labour  and 
toil ;  he  reserves  to  himself  the  increase  :  he  com- 
mands us  to  *'  teach,  to  exhort,  to  reprove  ;  to 
*'  ciy  aloud,  and  not  to  spare  ;"  on  himself  alone 
depends  the  entrance  of  the  good  seed  of  the  word 
into  the  heart  duly  prepared  to  receive  it^. 

But  it  is  not  the  apprehension  of  want  of  success 
which  makes  us  negligent  of  our  duty.  No  !  the 
true  reason  is,  we  ourselves  are  not  impressed  with 
a  sense  of  God's  glory,  and  of  the  blessings  of  sal- 
vation. And  indeed,  how  should  we,  as  St.  James 
observes,  be  affected  with  the  interests  of  the  Lord's 
glory,  whom  we  do  not  see,  so  long  as  we  are  in- 
sensible to  the  wants  of  our  brethren,  whom  we  do 
see  ?  Can  we,  without  emotion,  without  reaching 

*  "  Never  despair,  nor  be  immoderately  grieved,  if  your 
success  be  small :  but  be  not  indifferent  about  it :  do  not  con- 
tent yourselves  with  the  indolent  plea  that  you  have  done  your 
duty,  and  are  not  ans\ver?.ble  for  the  event.  You  may  have 
done  it  as  far  as  the  law  requires :  yet  by  no  means  have  dis- 
charged your  consciences.  You  may  have  done  it  conscien- 
tiously, yet  not  with  the  diligence  or  address  that  you  ought. 
And  as  we  are  seldom  easy  in  other  cases,  when  we  fail  of  our 
end ;  if  we  are  so  in  this,  it  doth  not  look  well.  At  least  con- 
sult your  hearts  upon  this  point.  And  if  you  have  been  defi- 
ciei)t,  beg  of  God  pardon,  grace,  and  direction  ;  endeavour  to 
do  more  for  your  people :  Consult  your  brethren  about  the 
means.  Conversation  of  this  nature  will  much  better  become. 
Clergymen  when  they  meet,  than  any  which  is  not  relative  to 
their  profession." — Abp.  Secker. 


63- 

out  a  hand  to  assist  them,  perceive  those  whom 
we  love,  perishing  ;  especially  our  brethren  in 
Christ  Jesus,  over  whom  we  are  commanded  to  be 
vigilant,  for  whom  we  must  give  a  strict  account, 
and  whose  fall  will  bring  ruhi  and  condemnation 
on  ourselves. 

Are  we  then,  sensibly  affected  when  we  observe 
so  many,  who  call  themselves  Christians,  walking 
in  the  paths  that  lead  to  destruction?  Public 
morals  every  day  become  more  corrupt,  because 
the  zeal  of  the  Lord's  Ministers  waxeth  cold.  The 
generality  of  sinners  live  unconcerned  in  the  midst 
of  their  vices,  because  they  no  longer  hear  those 
terrific  calls,  which  are  animated  by  the  spirit  of 
God,  are  alone  capable  of  awakening  them  from 
the  sleep  of  sin.  We  look  upon  profligacy  of 
manners  as  an  evil  without  remedy,  which  had  its 
beginning  with  the  world,  and  will  continue  to 
the  end  of  it :  we  think  that  the  morals  of  to-day 
have  been  the  morals  of  all  ages.  The  corruption 
of  Christianity,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  arises  from 
the  want  of  zeal,  and  from  the  indolence  which 
pervades  its  teachers.  The  Church  would  soon 
re-assume  its  original  splendour,  w^re  we  only 
actuated  by  the  same  spirit  as  the  pastors  w^ho 
planted  it :  all  would  change,  were  we  changed 
ourselves.  This  universal  profligacy  of  manners, 
then,  is  so  far  from  justifying  our  insensibility, 
that  it  loudly  testifies  against  us,  and  renders  us 
still  more  criminal. 


6^ 


But  we  excuse  our  indolence,  by  giving  it  the 
specious  names  of  moderation  and  discretion ; 
under  a  pretence  that  our  zeal  is  to  be  prescribed 
within  proper  limits,  we  extinguish  it  altogether- 
Let  us  not  deceive  ourselves :  the  truths  of  which 
we  are  the  interpreters,  cannot  please  the  world,, 
because  they  condemn  the  world.  When,  indeed, 
Vie  address  the  lower  classes  of  men ;  we  repro- 
bate their  irregularities  ;  we  display  before  their 
eyes  the  terrors  of  the  Lord,  with  the  most  unqua- 
liiied  denunciations,  and,  often,  without  that  mild- 
ness which  prudence  suggests,  and  charity  pre- 
scribes.  But,  with  the  Great,  we,  as  the  Apostle 
speaks,  change  our  language :  hardly  dare  we 
shew  to  them,  at  a  distance,  truths  which  they  dis- 
like. Our  chief  object  is,  not  to  correct  their 
vices,  but  to  avoid  incurring  their  displeasure. 
We  persuade  ourselves,  that  we  ought  not,  by  an 
indiscriminate  zeal,  to  deprive  the  Church  of  the 
credit  of  their  attachment,  and  the  advantage  of 
their  support ;  as  if  men  plunged  in  vice  could 
promote  the  work  of  God ;  as,  if,  to  escape  the 
imputation  of  indiscretion,  we  must  necessarily 
**  speak  smooth  things,  and  prophesy  deceit." 

The  fear  of  men,  then,  may  suppress  in  us  the 
love  of  the  truth,  and  zeal  for  the  salvation  of 
souls.  To  which  may  be  added  another  cause, 
but  which,  I  trust  in  God,  cannot  often  be  attri- 
buted to  the  Clergy, — I  mean  irregularity  of  con- 
duct. 


69 


It  cannot  excite  surprise  that  a  Minister,  whose 
heart  is  the  receptacle  of  criminal  passions,  should 
find  himself  without  power,  without  inclination, 
without  courage,  when  it  becomes  his  duty  to  re- 
prehend and  correct  the  like  passions  in  other  men. 
What  impression  of  zeal,  and  what  sensations  of 
horror,  can  the  commission  of  those  vices,  in  our 
fellow  creatures,  which  we  love,  and  in  which  we 
indulge  ourselves,  produce  in  our  hearts  ?  Thus, 
when  our  situation  requires  us  to  publish  the  glad 
tidl:5igs  of  salvation,  and  to  censure,  with  freedom, 
notorious  offences — w^hat  coldness,  what  constraint, 
what  outward  shame,  and  inw^ard  remorse!  No, 
my  brethren,  our  private  conduct  ought  not  to  blush 
at  our  public  censures.  A  Clergyman,  who  be- 
lies by  his  immoralities,  the  truths  which  he 
preaches,  causes  more  infidels  and  unbelievers 
than  all  the  writings  which  hatred  of  the  Gospel 
can  dictate,  and  all  the  arguments  that  the  love  of 
vice  can  produce.  Expressions,  then  of  zeal 
against  profligacy  are  not  becoming,  nor  service- 
able, in  the  Church,  but  in  the  character,  and  from 
the  mouth  J  of  virtue.  ''  Why,"  says  the  Psalmist, 
*'  dost  thou  preach  my  laws,  and  take  my  cove- 
''  nant  in  thy  mouth,  whereas  thou  hatest  to  be  re- 
<^  formed?"  Will  the  holy  spirit,  do  you  think, 
speak  by  a  mouth  polluted  with  indecent  and  pro- 
fane conversation  ?  Will  he  work  the  work  of 
righteousness  and  sanctification,  by  a  worker  of 
iniquity  and  hypocrisy  ?  Will  he  employ  a  Minis- 
ter of  abandoned  morals,  as  his  instrument  in  pro- 
.tnoting  the  salvation  of  his  people  ? 

H 


70 


But  the  Church  is  not  to  be  reproached  with  the 
irregularities  of  its  Ministers.  What  the  Clergy 
are  to  be  warned  against,  is,  that  state  of  luke- 
warmness*,  and  of  negligence,  in  the  discharge  of 
their  duty,  which  destroys  the  efficacy  of  it.  And, 
indeed,  how  can  you,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  ap- 
pear among  your  flocks,  animated  with  the  love  of 
God,  and  actuated  by  a  desire  to  promote  the  salva- 
tion of  men- — you,  who  feel  no  solicitude,  either  for 
your  ov\n  salvation,  or  the  salvation  of  those  over 
whom  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  overseers  ZAf 
you  perform  your  ministry  with  indifference  and  re- 
luctance, you  will  leave  the  same  dispositions  in  the 
hearts  of  those  who  hear  you.    A  faithful  Minister  is 

*  "  Clergymen,  who  are  serious  in  their  whole  behaviour,  and 
the  care  of  their  families  also,  are  often  too  unactive  amongst 
their  people  :  apt  to  think  that  if  they  perform  regularly  the 
ordinary  offices  of  the  church,  exhort  from  the  pulpit  such  as 
will  come  to  hear  them,  and  answer  the  common  occasional 
calls  of  parochial  duty,  they  have  done  as  much  as  they  need, 
or  well  can,  and  so  turn  themselves  to  other  matters  ;  perhaps 
never  visit  some  of  their  parishioners  ;  and  with  the  rest  enter 
into  the  same  sort  of  talk  that  any  one  else  would  do.  Now  St. 
Paul  saith,  he  taught  the  Ephesians  both  publicly  and  from 
house  to  housc^  testifying  repentance  toivards  God,  and  faith  tO' 
wards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  ceased  not  to  warn  every  one 
day  and  night.  He  also  commands  Timothy  to  preach  the 
word,  and  be  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season ;  at  stated 
times  and  others :  not  forcing  advice  upon  persons,  when  it 
was  likelier  to  do  harm  than  good  :  but  prudently  improving 
less  favourable  opportunities,  if  no  others  offered.  Thus, 
unquestionably  should  v  e  do.  And  a  chief  reason,  why  we 
have  so  little  hold  upon  our  people  is,  that  we  converse 
with  them  so  little,  as  watclimen  over  their  souls. — Abp 
Secker. 


71 


uniformly  distinguished  by  his  zeal,  his  application, 
his  patience,  his  labor  to  overcome  the  obstacles, 
which  the  world,  the  devil,  the  depravity  of  man- 
ners, oppose  to  the  success  of  his  ministry ;  and, 
too  often,  alas  !  notwithstanding  his  ardent  zeal, 
and  unremitted  pains,  he  has  the  mortification  of 
having  ''  laboured  in  vain,  and  spent  his  strength 
for  nought."  What  harvest,  then,  can  a  slothful, 
negligent,  labourer  expect,  from  a  field  to  which 
he  hath  put  only  a  feeble,  and  languishing  hand,  and 
which  seems  to  have  been  entrusted  to  him,  rather 
as  a  refuge  from  fatigue,  than  to  be  the  object  of 
unremitted  application  ?  What  spectacle  so  afflict- 
ing to  the  Church,  as  that  of  one  of  its  Pastors, 
bound  by  the  most  solemn  obligations  to  prosecute 
his  calling  with  diligence  and  fidelity,  careless  and 
indolent !  He,  to  whom  is  entrusted  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  kingdom  of  God,  the  reclaiming  of 
sinners  from  the  evil  of  their  ways — the  improve- 
ment of  the  wise, — and  the  edification  of  the  vir- 
tuous ! 

But  there  is  another  cause  of  the  want  of  zeal, 
in  some  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Gospel,  which  is, 
a  persuasion,  that  they  are  not  well  calculated  to 
discharge  the  public  offices  of  Religion. 

We  every  day  meet  with  Pastors,  whom  a  love 
of  retirement,  together  with  extreme  diffidence  of 
their  talents,  renders  almost  useless  to  the  Church. 
They  prefer  the  leisure  of  study,  to  the  active  dis^ 
charge  of  their  duty  :  they  think  it  sufficient  that 


they  edify  the  Church,  by  their  example,  without 
supporting  it  by  their  labours,  directed  personally, 
and  individually,  to  those  over  whom  they  are  pla- 
ced ;  that  they  be  blameless  in  the  eyes  of  men, 
without  devoting  their  time  to  their  amendment ; 
in  a  word,  that,  by  leading  an  irreproachable  life, 
they  are  justified  in  neglecting  the  salvation  of 
their  brethren.  They  give  themselves  up  wholly 
to  reading  and  study  ;  but  will  such  application, 
however  laudable  in  itself,  and  serviceable,  as  it 
may,  occasionally,  be  in  its  effects,  to  the  commu- 
nity at  large,  compensate  for  their  neglect  in  per- 
forming the  public  services  of  their  peculiar  func- 
tions ;  or,  for  performing  them  with  carelesness, 
and  inattention  ?  But  you  think  you  had,  better 
leave  the  obligations  of  your  calling,  to  be  fulfilled 
by  those,  who  are  more  likely  to  benefit  the  hear- 
ers. We  possess  all  requisite  talents,  when  we 
have  a  love  for  our  fiock,  and  feel  an  ardent  desire 
for  their  salvation  :  this  is  the  treasure  of  which 
our  Lord  speaks,  and  whence  '^die  Scribe,  in- 
"  structed  for  the  kingdom  of  Heaven,  draws  trea- 
''  sures  new  and  old."  Nothing  is  more  opposite, 
says  a  Father  of  the  Church*,  to  the  spirit  of  the 
Priesthood,  than  an  indolent  and  inactive  life, 
which  we  are  too  apt  to  consider  as  the  most  desi- 
rable. Nihil  enim  minus  aptuin  est  ad  JEcclesi^ 
prarfecturam  quam  socordia  £sP  ignavia,  qiiam  alii 
exercitationem  quandam  admirabilem  piitant. 

Heavenly  Father,  remove,  we  beseech  thee,  from 
the  hearts  of  thy  Ministers,  every  obstacle  which 
*  Chryostonir 


73 

may  hinder  .  them  from  bringing  mankind  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth :  animate  them  with  that 
spirit  of  zeal  and  wisdom  with  which  thou  didst 
endow  the  first  preachers  of  the  Gospel  :  may  thy 
Church  perpetually  abound  with  labourers,  power- 
ful in  word  and  doctrine,  whose  only  end  may  be 
thy  glory,  and  the  salvation  of  mankind  ;  and  who 
may  esteem  as  nothing  the  opinions  of  men,  so 
long  as  they  are  instruments  in  thy  hands  of  ex- 
tending thy  kingdom,  and  accomplishing  thy  will ! 
Amen. 


CHARGE  IV. 

ON  BEING  CALLED  TO  THE  CHRISTIAN 
MINISTRY. 


■4s  my  Father  hath  sent  me,  so  send  I  you. 


75 


CHARGE  IV. 

ON  BEING  CALLED  TO  THE  CHRISTIAN 
MINISTRY. 


YOU  recollect  the  words  of  our  blessed  Lord  to 
his  disciples,  when  he  appeared  to  them,  assembled 
together,  after  his  resurrection  :  his  design  was  to 
confirm  their  faith,  by  his  presence,  and  to  dispel 
their  terror  by  his  Gospel,  which  he  bequeathed  to 
them,  as  the  blessed  result  of  his  victory,  and  the 
dearest  pledge  of  his  remembrance. 

It  was  not  suificient  to  assure  them  that  they 
should  be  ministers  of  his  evangelical  dispensa- 
tion:—Go,  I  send  you,  teach  all  nations  in  my 
name.  It  was  also  necessary  to  raise  their  spirits, 
sunk  and  dejected  as  they  were,  by  his  passion  and 
death,  by  inspiring  them  with  high  sentiments  of 
that  important  and  sublime  ministry,  in  which  they 
were  soon  to  be  employed.  And  to  impress  their 
mind  with  the  utmost  force,  he  compares  their 
mission  to  his  own, — ''  As  my  Father  hath  sent 
me,  so  send  I  you." 

As  though  he  had  said  to  them; — As  I  have 
been  upon  earth  the  ambassador  of  my  Father,  so 
shall  you  be  mine  among  men  :   as  my  Father  was 


76 


in  me,  reconciling  the  world  unto  himself,  so  shall 
I  be  in  you,  exercising  myself  a  ministry  of  recon- 
ciliation ;  as  they  who  have  seen  me,  have  seen  the 
Father,  they  who  see  you,  shall  see  me  also ;  and 
ye  shall  be  the  representatives  of  my  person  upon 
earth,  and  a  striking  image  of  my  power  and  au- 
thority ;  as  the  Father  abode  in  me,  doing  all  my 
vv^orks,  so  will  I  abide  in  you,  and  will  baptize, 
will  give  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  will  speak,  before 
princes  and  kings.  The  Father  hath  placed  me  at 
his  right  hand,  '*  and  hath  put  all  enemies  under 
"  my  feet :  ye  shall  sit  upon  twelve  thrones,  judg- 
'*  ing  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel."  The  Father 
hath  given  evidence  from  on  high,  by  appearing 
in  the  clouds  :  and  I  shall  one  day  appear,  on  a 
cloud  of  glory,  surrounded  by  all  the  heavenly  spi- 
rits, to  bear  testimony  of  you,  before  the  assem- 
bled world.  In  a  word,  as  I  have  glorified  my 
Father  on  earth,  so  shall  I  be  glorified  in  you,  by 
your  confessing  my  name,  and  promulgating  my 
doctrine :  but,  as  the  mission  which  I  have  receiv- 
ed of  my  Father  is  the  principle  and  foundation  of 
all  my  authority  and  greatness,  the  mission  with 
which  I  entrust  you  shall  be  alone  the  foundation 
of  yours  : — "  As  my  Father  hath  sent  me,  so  send 
I  you."  To  this  last  reflection  it  is,  that  I  confine 
the  subject  of  this  discourse.  The  high  parellel 
presents  us  with  sublime,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
awful  ideas,  of  our  ministerial  calling. 

"  Let  no  one,"  says  the  Apostle,  "  take  this  ho- 
"  nour  to  himself,  but  he  that  is  called  of  God,  as 


"  was  Aaron."  If  Christ  was  sent  of  his  Father, 
in  order  to  begin  his  work,  we  are  to  be  -sent  by- 
Christ,  in  order  to  continue  that  same  work  ;  and 
as  we  are  called  to  the  same  glorious  ministry,  it 
is  proper  that  the  marks  of  our  vocation  be  the 
same.  Now,  were  our  Lord  to  appear  this  day  in 
the  midst  of  us,  as  he  formerly  appeared  to  his  as* 
sembled  disciples,  could  he  say  to  each  individual 
among  us—''  As  my  Father  hath  sent  me,  so  have 
I  sent  you?" 

I  shall  not  attempt  to  prove  that  we  ought  to  be 
called  to  this  holy  office  of  the  priesthood,  before 
we  take  legal  possession  of  it,  for  in  so  doing,  the 
legality  of  the  call  is  implied;  I  had  rather  appeal 
to  your  conscience,  and  prevail  with  you  to  enquire 
of  yourselves — Am  I  called  ?  Is  it  the  calling  of 
Christ,  or  the  voice  of  man,  that  has  placed  me  in 
the  sanctuary  ?  Is  this  holy  state,  which  I  have 
chosen,  the  state  to  which  the  Almighty  hath  ap- 
pointed me  ?  Am  I  in  my  place,  or  do  I  occupy 
the  place  of  another  ? — and,  as  Christ  was  sent  by 
his  Father,  am  I  sent  by  him^? 

*  I  entirely  omit  the  first  part  of  this  discourse,  since  little 
advantage  could  be  derived  from  it  by  a  Protestant  Clergyman ; 
and  likewise  the  second  part,  which  relates  to  the  approbdtion 
of  the  Pastor  by  the  people.  The  Prelate  eloquently  asks,  "  If 
ip.any  parishes  would  not  say  of  their  Pastors,  we  will  not  have 
this  man  to  preside  over  us  ?  If  the  people  among  whom  I  have 
lived,  had  the  choice  of  their  minister,  could  I  flatter  myself 
that  their  choice  would  fall  on  me  ?"  I  may,  I  hope,  without 
offence,  be  permitted  to  observe,  that,  in  the  appointment  of 
ministers,  it  is  greatly  to  be  desired  that  the  people  over  which 

I 


78 

That  we  may  know  whether  we  are  called  to  the 
sacred  mmistry,  we  may  judge  from  the  mnocence 

the  pastor  is  commissioned  to  preside,  should  be  a  person 
whom  they  approve.  If,  kr»owing  his  moral  character,  they 
justly  dislike  them  ;  if,  when  they  hear  him  in  the  Church, 
they  are  unanimous  in  their  opinion,  that,  from  his  manner  of 
reading  and  preaching,  their  Church  and  Communion  will  be 
deserted  ;  or  if,  whatever  be  his  qualifications,  his  voice  is  so 
weak  that  it  cannot  be  heard  ;  ought  not  every  congregation  to 
h^ve  the  privilege  of  protesting  against  such  nomination  ?  A 
congregation  cannot  be  happy  in  a  Clergyman  whom  they 
despise  ;  a  congregation  will  never  observe,  uniformly  and  se- 
riously, the  Ordinances  of  Religion,  under  the  ministry  of  a 
Clergyman,  however  exemplary  his  conduct,  and  excellent  his 
discourses,  whose  elocution  is  such  as  to  excite  general  dissa- 
tisfaction ;  and  if  the  Church  be  large,  and  his- voice  low,  it  is 
impossible  that  those  who  cannot  distinctly  hear,  should  derive 
any  benefit  from  the  discharge  of  his  public  duty.  It  is  greatly 
to  be  lamented,  that  there  should  be  in  our  Church,  and  in 
our  Church  only,  such  abundant  cause  of  complaint  on  these 
topics. 

I  would  not  be  undei^tood  to  mean,  that  every  congregation 
ought  to  have  the  choice  of  its  own  Minister,  God  forbid  !  for 
a  regulation  so  injudicious  would  banish  from  the  Church  eve- 
ry good,  and  introduce  into  it  every  evil.  But  it  cannot,  surely, 
be  thought  that  the  security  of  the  Church,  and  the  interests 
of  the  Gospel,  are  promoted  by  imposing  upon  a  congregation 
a  clergyman  who  is  not  calculated,  in  almost  a  single  instance, 
to  obtain  the  approbation,  and  ensure  the  affections,  of  his 
hearers.  An  appeal  to  the  Diocesan,  not  originating  in  per- 
sonal pique,  in  wanton  caprice,  or  in  previous  attachment  to  a 
more  popular  preacher,  but  founded  on  impartial  justice,  and 
^supported  by  incontrovertible  reasoning,  ought  to  be  allowed. 
And  sure  I  am,  the  greatest  good  would  result  from  such  a 
measure  to  the  whole  community  :  the  State  would  receive 
from  it  a  most  powerful  support;  the  Church  would  acquire 
such  strength  as  to  bid  defiance  to  the  insinuations  of  scepti- 


79 


of  our  life,  and  from  our  attachment  to.  our  pro- 
fession. 

Now  our  conscience  is  the  best  evidence  of  the 
innocence  of  our  life.  But,  as  the  irreproachable 
manners  of  the  priesthood  have  been  the  subject 
of  a  former  exhortation,  I  shall  proceed  to  shew 
the  necessity  of  an  attachment  to  the  holy  func- 
tions of  the  sacred  profession.  Our  Lord,  at  an 
early  period  of  his  life,  withdrawing  from  the 
eyes  of  his  parents,  entered  into  the  Temple,  where 
he  was  found  among  the  doctors,  making  already 
full  proof  of  his  ministry.  Samuel,  when  a  child, 
stood  daily  in  the  Temple  before  the  Lord  ;  and 
the  Scripture  observes,  that  he  awoke  from  his 
sleep,  when  he  thought  that  the  commands  of  Eli, 
the  High  Priest,  called  him  to  the  discharge  of 
any  duty  which  affected  the  decency  and  beauty 
of  the  Lord's  Temple.  This  anticipated  predi- 
lection, this  previous  attachment  to  the  obliga- 
tions of  our  vocation,  has  not,  infrequently,  ap- 
peared in  those  whom  heaven  pre-ordained  for 
the  service  of  the  altar ;  and  it  hath  always  been 
considered  as  a  sign  of  our  calling,  and  a  ha.ppy 
presage  of  our  proficiency  in  it. 

cism,  and  the  confibinations  of  schism  ;  and  Religion  itself,  by 
a  more  general  and  devout  observance  of  its  ordinances,  would 
be  more  uniformly  practised. 

It  would  be  well  if  the  second  part  of  Massillon's  Discourse 
was  seriously  read  by  every  Patron,  before  he  presents  to  a 
living,  and  by  every  Incumbent  before  he  nominates  to  a  cu- 
cacy,  whether  perpetual  ox  stipendiary. 


80 


But  if  you  do  not  feel  in  yourselves  a  desire  of 
being  employed  as  the  ambassadors  of  God;  if 
you  do  not  appear  in  your  right  place,  when  you 
are  fulfilling  the  duties  of  your  holy  profession, 
judge  ye  yourselves,  whether  you  are  called  into 
the  Lord's  vineyard  ?  God  implants  in  the  heart 
a  love  for  the  service  to  which  he  calls  ;  and  bet- 
ter would  it  have  been  for  you  to  have  felt  that 
it  was  not  the  ministry  for  which  you  were  intend- 
ed, than  that  you  should  possess  a  want  of  inclina- 
tion for  the  performance  of  its  duties.  It  is  not 
necessary  that  a  voice  from  heaven  should  say  to 
you  in  secret,  ''the  Lord  hath  not  sent  you;" 
your  judgment,  enforced  by  the  dictates  of  your 
conscience,  tells  you  so. 

It  is,  farther,  requisite,  that,  in  dedicating 
yourselves  to  the  ministry,  you  should  possess  pu- 
rity of  intention.  "  Our  Lord  came  not  to  be 
"  ministered  unto,"  that  is,  to  fill  the  highest 
places  in  the  Synagogue,—"  but  to  minister, — to 
*'  become  all  things  to  all  men  ;"  He  came  to  de- 
clare the  name  of  his  Father  ;  to  save  the  lost 
sheep  of  the  House  of  Israel  ;  zeal,  love,  holiness, 
formed  the  essential  and  constituent  parts  of  his 
ministry,  Are  you  influenced  by  the  same  mo- 
tives ?  Have  you  taken  upon  you  the  sacred  cha- 
racter, in  order  to  minister,  to  labour  for  the  sal- 
vation of  your  brethren?  Are  you  satisfied,  in  your 
own  minds,  as  to  the  purity  of  your  intentions  ?  I 
pretend  not  to  penetrate  the  inmost  recesses  of  your 
l^eart :  God  knows  them ;  and  to   him  must  the 


81 

decision,  ultimately,  be  referred ;  but,  surel}^ 
every  one,  before  he  enters  into  the  sacred  minis- 
try, should,  impartially,  and  severely,  enquire  of 
himself,  whether  his  motives  are  such  as  will  be 
approved  by  that  God,  whose  servant  he  becomes? 
If,  then,  we  have  not  made  the  awful  enquiry,  let 
us  this  day  enter  into  judgment  with  ourselves. 
What  do  I  propose  to  myself,  in  that  holy  state 
into  which  I  have  entered  ?  The  salvation  of  souls 
— the  defence  of  the  Gospel — the  destruction  of 
the  empire  of  the  grand  enemy  of  mankind  ?  Have 
I  chiefly,  these  laborious  and  momentous  ends  in 
view,  by  becoming  a  labourer  in  the  Lord's  vine- 
yard ?  What  would  I  appropriate  to  myself? 
What  do  I  expect  to  meet  with  in  the  Church  ? — 
its  riches,  or  its  duties  ? — its  dignities,  or  its  la- 
bours ? — the  value  of  the  fleece,  or  the  salvation 
of  the  flock  ?  What  talents  do  I  bring  into  this 
holy  warfare  ? — A  knowledge  of  the  doctrines  of 
the  Gospel — an  interest  in  its  success — reasoning, 
to  convince — and  eloquence,  to  persuade  ? — or, 
igiiorance  of  the  truth — unconcern  about  its  re- 
ception— languor  in  its  defence — and  unskilfulness 
in  its  propagation. 

It  may  be  said,  perhaps,  that  if  you  are  promo- 
ted to  ecclesiastical  preferment,  which  your  morals 
do  not  disgrace,  it  may  be  allowable  to  conclude,, 
that  you  are  entitled  to  it.  But,  to  devote  our- 
selves to  the  ministry  of  the  Word,  merely  because 
we  have  the  prospect  of  succeeding  to  preferment ; 
because  our  expectations  in  the  Church  are  more 


82 

promising  than  in  any  other  profession,  or  caUing  ^ 
because,  through  our  family  and  friends,  we  may 
hope  to  arrive  at  an  enviable  state  of  comfort  and 
independence  ;  because,  hke  the  mother  of  the 
sons  of  Zebedee,  our  connections  have  previously 
solicited  the  highest  places  in  the  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven :  in  a  word,  to  enlist  under  the  banners  of  Christ, 
not  because  "  he  has  the  words  of  eternal  life," 
but  because  he  multiplies  the  loaves  and  fishes  in 
the  wilderness — -is  the  motive  laudable  ? — Is  it 
*'  because  we  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to 
''  take  upon  us  this  office  and  administration  ?" 

But  after  all,  it  is  not  sufficient  to  have  the  tes- 
timony of  our  conscience  in  our  favour  ;  we  must 
farther  examine,  w^iether  we  have  talents  adapted 
to  our  situation,  and  whether  we  may  justly  pre- 
sume, that  we  shall  be  of  real  utility  in  the  Church? 
You  can,  perhaps,  display  all  the  talents  which 
would  distinguish  you  in  the  world ;  you  can 
please,  by  your  conversation,  and  engage,  by  your 
address  :  but  what  talents  have  you  for  the  Lord's 
vineyard,  to  build,  to  plant,  to  pull  down  ?  When 
Moses  was  about  to  erect  the  tabernacle,  every 
one  brought  splendid  presents  to  contribute  to- 
wards its  construction, — gold,  precious  stones, 
purple,  the  skins  of  beasts.  What  can  you  con- 
tribute, on  your  part,  towards  the  building  of 
the  heavenly  tabernacle,  the  spiritual  edifice 
of  the  Church  ?  You  may  not  bring  gold  and 
precious  stones ;  for  '*  all  are  not  apostles,  all 
"  are  not  evangelists;"    yet  you  will  contributo 


83 

something  ;  and  that  which  is  the  least  splendid  or 
brilliant,  is  not  always  the  least  useful. 

Now,  by  what  way  can  you  become  serviceable 
to  the  Church  ? — By  your  learning  and  your  know- 
ledge ? — But  perhaps,  impatient  of  restraint,  and 
averse  to  study,  you  have  looked  upon  the  priest- 
hood as  an  exemption,  if  you  should  desire  it, 
from  the  toil  of  reading,  and  the  acquisition  of 
knowledge.  By  your  mode  of  delivery  and  grace- 
fulness of  elocution? — But  eloquence  must  be 
founded  in  piety,  if  you  would  render  that  talent 
honourable  to  yourself,  and  advantageous  to  your 
flock ;  and  what  can  be  the  advantage  derived 
from  your  instructions,  when  you  destroy  it  by 
your  example  ?  By  your  irreproachable  conduct  ? 
But  if,  without  offending  against  the  rules  of  mo- 
rality, you  betray  in  your  whole  demeanor  a  love 
of  the  world,  and  an  attachment  to  its  vanities, 
how. can  you  edify  that  world,  whose  maxims  you 
adopt,  and  whose  fashions  you  sanction  ?  By  your 
name,  and  the  distinction  which  you  bear  in 
the  world? — A  celebrated  name  gives,  without 
doubt,  additional  authority  in  the  exercise  of  the 
ministry  ;  but  alas  !  the  sole  advantage  which  the 
Church  can  expect  to  derive  from  you,  is,  that 
your  name  will  become  an  excuse  for  your  irregu- 
larities, and  for  the  misapplication  you  shall  make 
of  the  Lord's  patrimony.  In  fine,  by  the  dignities 
which  you  cannot  fail  of  possessing  in  the  Church 
and  which  your  birth  and  connections  give  you  a 
right  to  expect  ? — But  if  by  this  motive  only,  you 


^4 


are  influenced;  if  a  mere  name  is  to  exalt  you  to 
sacerdotal  dignity  ;  if  flesh  and  blood  are  to  put 
you  in  possession  of  the  priesthood  of  Melchize- 
dec,  which  knows  neither  parents  nor  genealogy, 
your  name  will  but  serve  to  render  an  unworthy 
discharge  of  your  duty  more  conspicuous: — you 
will  carry  into  the  sanctuary,  pride,  haughtiness, 
the  very  world,  which  has  placed  you  in  it. 

What  then  can  you  offer  to  the  Church,  which 
it  can  apply  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  salvation 
of  men  ?  For  this  is  its  only  view  in  the  choice  of 
its  Ministers.  The  kingdom  of  God  is,  you  know, 
a  field  which  requires  labourers  ;  to  be  useless  in 
it,  is  to  occupy,  unjustly,  that  soil  which  another 
would  cultivate.  If  you  find  yourself  unequal  to 
the  task,  the  Church  has  no  need  of  you  :  far  from 
being  a  support,  you  are  but  an  incumbrance,  and 
a  reproach  to  it. 

From  what  has  been  said,  then,  we  ought  all  to 
enquire  of  our  hearts — Does  my  mission  resemble 
that  of  Jesus  Christ — and  hath  he  sent  me  as  he 
was  sent  of  his  father  ?  If  you  have  entered  into 
the  ministry  without  being  called  to  it,  you  will 
bear  the  character  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  it  is 
true,  but  it  will  be  to  you  a  character  of  reproba- 
tion ;  and  in  declaring  that  you  were  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  to  take  it  upon  you,  you  will  have 
*'  lied,  not  unto  men,  but  unto  God."  I  say  no- 
thing of  the  infinite  evils  occasioned  by  your  intru- 
sion into  the  Church  ;  vour  labours  without  a  bles- 


85 

sing  ;  your  whole  ministry  without  the  approbation 
of  him,  who  purchased  the  Church  with  his  own 
blood  ;  the  loss  of  so  many  souls,  whose  salvation 
depended  on  the  vigilance  of  a  faithful  Pastor,  and 
which  have  perished  through  your  fault  ;  the 
righteous  justly  offended ;  the  weak  seduced  ; 
sinners  confirmed  in  their  iniquities :  such  is  the 
gulph  into  which  you  precipitate  yourselves,  by 
entering  into  the  sacred  ministry,  without  a  sense 
of  its  importance,  and  a  determination  to  discharge, 
with  conscientious  fidelity,  its  several  duties. 
But,  my  Brethren,  "we  hope  better  things  of  you  :" 
we  will  not  believe  that  you  can,  with  impious 
boldness,  contemn  the  commands  of  Heaven  ;  that 
you  have  made  choice  of  the  temple  of  God,  to 
profane,  with  more  frequency,  and  less  interrup- 
tion, its  holy  mysteries  ;  and  that  you  have  enter- 
ed into  the  sheep-fold,  in  order  to  seize,  with 
greater  facility,  and  to  destroy,  with  more  success, 
the  sheep  which  the  Father  hath  purchased  at  the 
expence  of  his  oWn  blood.  Let  us,  with  all  hu- 
mility of  mind  and  fervor  of  spirit,  address  our- 
selves unto  the  Lord,  saying, — Grant,  O  God, 
that  we  may  not  be  of  the  number  of  those  who 
speak  in  thy  name,  but  who  speak  not  for  thine 
honour ;  who  prophesy  out  of  their  own  hearts, 
and  say,  the  Lord  hath  sent,  when  the  Lord  hath 
not  sent,  them.  May  we  be  worthy  of  that  holy 
calling  to  which  we  are  called  !  Blessed  are  those 
whom  thou  shalt  choose  to  dwell  in  thine  house  ; 
they  shall  be  always  praising  thee.  The  cedars  of 
Libanus,  which  thou  hast  planted,  shall  be  watered 


86^ 

with  the  dew  of  Heaven  ;  they  shall  neither  fear 
the  burning  heat,  the  mighty  winds,  nor  the  de- 
stroying tempests.  But  woe  unto  every  plant 
which  thou  hast  not  planted.  The  wind  shall  pass 
over  it,  and  it  shall  be  gone ;  and  the  place  there- 
of shall  know  it  no  more  ;  it  can  expect  no  better 
lot  than  to  be  plucked  up,  and  cast  into  the  fire. 
God,  of  his  mercy,  grant  that  none  of  us  may  be  of 
that  number,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen  ! 


CHARGE  V. 

ON  REFLECTION  ON  THE  SUCCESS  OF  OUR 
MINISTRY. 


Neglect  not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee,  with  the  laying 
on  of  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery^ 


»9 


CHARGE  V. 

ON  REFLECTION  ON  THE  SUCCESS  OF  OUR 
MINISTRY. 


THE  reiterated  advice  which  the  Apostle  ad- 
dresses to  his  son  Timothy,  to  *'  give  attendance 
"  to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to  doctrine,  and  not 
"  to  neglect  the  gift  which  is  in  him,"  is  admirably 
calculated  to  supercede  that  careless  disposition, 
and  enfeebling  negligence,  to  which  we  are  prone 
by  nature,  and  induced  by  habit.  Defects,  are,  in- 
deed, inevitable  in  the  prosecution  of  our  calling; 
by  taking,  therefore*,  a  review  of  your  ecclesiasti- 
cal cqnduct,  by  giving  your  attendance  to  reading, 
and  your  mind  to  reflection,  you  may  remedy  them 
in  future.  Our  fervour  abates,  our  spiritual  pow- 
ers decay,  the  man  gets  the  better  of  the  minister, 
by  reflection,  therefore,  you  will  re-animate  the 
languishing  principle,  and  renew  within  you  the 
original  spirit,  of  your  ministry.  Lastly,  the  Cler- 
gy   of  this    extensive   diocese,  have,  in   general, 

*  It  may  be  proper  to  inform  the  reader,  that  it  was  a  cus- 
tom among  the  French  Clergy,  to  assemble,  at  their  Synods, 
in  some  religious  house,  called  the  Retreat^  where  their  time 
was  devoted  to  meditation,  prayer,  and  the  exposition  of  some 
parts  of  Scripture,  for  their  mutual  information.  To  this  cus- 
tom, Massillon,  in  these  .Charges,  frequently  alludes. 


90 


need  of  examples  :  you  will  supply  them  with  one, 
at  once  instructive  to  their  minds,  and  attractive 
of  their  affections,  by  so  examining  your  past  life, 
as  to  enable  you  to  fulfil  your  ministry  with  advan- 
tage to  your  several  flocks. 

I.  The  duties  of  our  calling  are  so  holy,  and 
require  such  pious  dispositions,  that  the  most  ex- 
emplary and  godly  Ministers  cannot  always  ex- 
ercise them  with  fervour  of  zeal,  and  purity  of 
xaind,  without  which,  oblations  are  vain,  and  in- 
cense an  abomination.  We  may  be,  frequently, 
in  this  state,  without,  almost,  being  conscious  o£ 
it,  and  may,  by  such  inattention  and  negligence, 
lose  those  gifts  which  give  dignity  to  the  ministry, 
and  efficacy  to  its  labours.  How  often  do  harsh- 
ness and  impatience  take  the  place  of  zeal  and  of 
charity !  How  often  do  indolence,  disgust,  secret 
antipathies,  sometimes  personal  dislikes,  induce 
lis  to  refuse  that  assistance  to  our  flock,  which 
their  necessities,  and  our  engagements,  demand 
of  us  !  How  often,  through  the  apprehension  of 
being  thought  troublesome,  and  esteemed  ridic- 
ulous, do  we  approve,  perhaps  imitate,  the  faults 
and  errors  we  condemn,  and  forget,  in  a  cer- 
tain degree,  the  decorum,  and  the  sanctity  of  our. 
ministry  ! 

'* 

Notwithstanding,  the  regular  discharge  of  our 
duty  conceals,  even  from  our  own  minds,  this  part 
of  our  character,  so  humiliating  to  ourselves,  and 
so  injurious  to  our  vocation,  and  does  not  leave  us 


51 


leisure  to  examine  its  rise,  and  contemplate  its 
deformity.  By  being  so  inattentive  to  our  depoit- 
ment  in  our  holy  calling,  we  collect  a  treasure  ol' 
wrath,  unknown  to  ourselves  ;  and,  as  ignorance 
of  our  state  is  the  just  punishment  of  our  want  of 
self-examination,  the  more  regardless  we  are  of 
our  professional  conduct,  the  greater  is  our  conse- 
quent indifference  ;  because  the  lights  which  were 
designed  to  warn  us,  and  to  open  our  eyes,  go  out, 
unperceived  by  us.  And  this,  my  Reverend 
Brethren,  is  a  principal  cause  of  the  irregularity^ 
and  very  culpable  negligence,  of  many  who  take 
upon  them  the  sacred  profession.  We  are  the 
light  of  the  world  ;  the  smallest  mist  obscures  this 
splendour  ;  our  faults  become  like  eclipses,  which 
intercept  the  bright  beams  of  grace  in  the  hearts 
of  Christians,  and  leave  in  darkness,  that  part  of 
the  Church,  which  we  were  commanded  to  en- 
lighten. 

By  examining  ourselves  with  minute  attention, 
by  bringing  before  our  eyes  every  part  of  our  past 
conduct,  by  going  through  the  whole  course  of  our 
ministry,  we  shall  discover  the  places,  the  occa- 
sions, the  cicumstances,  in  which  we  acted  impra- 
perly  ;  we  shall  perceive  that,  notwithstanding  the 
opinion  of  men,  and  the  many  encomiums  they 
may  pass  on  the  external  regularity  of  our  behavi- 
our, it  is  well,  if  we  be  holy,  and  faithful.  Ministers, 
worthy  to  dispense  the  mysteries  of  God.  The  dis- 
tance betwixt  what  we  are,  and  what  we  ought  to 
be,  greatly  humbles,  and  strikingly  alarms  us.     V/e 


lament  over  our  past  miscarriages  ;  we  form  many 
holy  resolutions,  many  projects  of  a  life  more  se- 
rious, more  diligent  more  professional ;  we  enter 
within  ourselves,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  source 
of  the  evil,  and  to  discover  the  secret  propensities 
which  have  betrayed  our  vigilance,  and  facilitated 
our  fall  ;  we  prepare,  at  a  distance,  previous  pre- 
cautions, and  necessary  measures,  to  prevent  a 
fresh  surprize  :  thus,  we  enter  into  our  obligations 
fortified  with  new  arms  ;  we  enter  with  less  of  that 
confidence,  which  always  goes  before  a  fall ;  but, 
at  the  same  time,  with  greater  security.  The  pilot, 
escaped  from  shipwreck,  is  more  cautious  in  fu- 
ture ;  and  warned,  by  the  misfortunes  which  have 
befallen  him,  of  the  rocks  on  which  he  struck  ; 
apprehensive  of  the  danger,  and  trembling  for  his 
safety,  he  is,  in  proportion,  active  and  anxious  to 
avoid  them.  ''  Bring  your  ways  only  to  remem- 
**  brance  ;  see  only  how  oft,"  in  the  discharge  of 
your  professional  duties,  '^  you  have  offended  ;" 
and  you  will  perceive,  not  without  surprize  and 
sorrow, that  the  errors  you  discover  in  yourselves  are 
too  common  among  those,  who  are  called  to  the 
holy  ministry ;  and  that  the  regret,  and  the  change, 
produced  by  a  frequent  and  serious  examination, 
are  not,  alas !  the  general,  and  distinguishing, 
characteristics  of  the  sacred  profession.  The  great- 
er part  of  those,  to  whom  this  examination  is 
indispensable,  finish  their  coarse  as  they  had  be- 
gun it.  We  have  sometimes  the  consolation  of  see- 
ing men,  who,  from  being  notorious  sinners,  become 
un  example  of  regularity  and  piety,  to  their  neigh- 


I 


93 


bourhood ;  but  this  is  not  so  frequent  am6ng  the 
clergy ;  what  they  once  are,  they  are  almost  always. 

II.  But,  although  we  should  have  been  so  hap- 
py as  to  fulfil  our  ministry  in  such  a  way  as  to  edi- 
fy the  hearts,  and  improve  the  morals,  of  our  sev- 
eral flocks,  do  we  not  feel  within  ourselves,  that, 
by  being  constantly  engaged  in  the  service  of  the 
Church,  the  first  fervor  which  devoted  us  to  the 
ministry  grows  cool,  that  the  holiness  of  our  duties 
makes  upon  us,  every  day,  still  slighter  impres- 
sions ;  and  that  we  do  but  walk,  with  a  feeble  step, 
in  the  paths  in  which  we  at  first  ran,  with  a  zeal  so 
honourable  to  ourselves,  and  a  celerity  so  benefi- 
cial to  mankind  ? 

This  decrease  of  piety  and  fervor,  observable  in 
those  who  make  the  fullest  proof  of  their  ministry ,, 
is  as  a  secret  malady  which  undermines  us,  and 
which,  by  little  and  little,  leads  to  decay.  It  is  an 
evil,  which,  not  shewing  itself  by  visible  and  strik- 
ing symptons,  and,  nevertheless,  daily  weakening 
our  strength,  is  seldom  opposed  by  any  remedies 
sufficiently  powerful  to  arrest  its  progress.  Here 
skill  has  no  other  resource  than  to  remove  the  pa- 
tient into  a  purer  air.  Now  it  is,  in  withdrawing 
from  the  world,  in  retiring  within  ourselves,  that 
we  discover  when  our  piety  is  languishing — when 
our  zeal  is  growing  cool— when  our  whole  inward 
frame,  being  disordered,  threatens  us  with  decay. 
The  longer  we  defer  this  self-examination,  the 
more  the  evil  gains  ground ;  every  thing  around 


94 


us  encreases  and  exasperates  it;  the  very  observ- 
ance of  our  sacred  calling,  far  from  rousing  us 
from  our  supineness,  is  no  other  than  a  worn- out 
refuge,  to  which  w^e  have  recourse,  which,  alas, 
instead  of  healing,  aggravates  the  wound.  A  situ- 
ation this  beset  with  dangers  ;  and  it  is  still  greater, 
because  it  does  not  impress  terror,  or  aw^aken  ap- 
prehension ;  we  think  the  day  of  death  at  a  dis- 
tance ;  we  comfort  ourselves  with  certain  desires 
of  a  more  holy  life,  which  sometimes  overcome 
our  lethargy,  and  leave  us  again  to  fall  into  it  a  mo- 
ment afterwards.  We  think  of  ourselves  what  the 
disciples  thought  of  Lazarus  : — '^  Lord,  if  he  sleep- 
'<  eth  he  shall  do  well :"  but  our  Lord,  who  sees 
us  such  as  we  really  are,  judges  of  us,  perhaps, 
very  differently.  ^'  Then  said  Jesus,  unto  them 
plainly,  Lazarus  is  dead."  They  are  not  heinous 
offences  which  we  have  the  most  to  fear :  a  foun- 
dation of  Religion,  a  virtuous  education,  an  estab- 
lished  reputation  of  uniform  conduct,  veneration 
for  the  holiness  of  our  ministry,  may  all  conduce 
to  preserve  us  from  them  :  what  we  have  most  to 
guard  against  is,  that  the  spirit  of  piety,  so  essen- 
tial to  our  sacred  calling,  may  not  become  extinct :, 
that  we  may  not  go  to  sleep,  in  a  state  insensible 
to  the  joys  of  Heaven,  accompanied  with  appa- 
rent regularity,  and  devoid  of  genuine  religion. 
We  do  not  perceive  in  our  life  any  notorious  sin ; 
and  we  do  not,  at  the  same  time,  perceive,  that 
a  life  which  is  not  founded  in  piety,  is  itself 
sinful,  in  the  eyes  of  God.  In  the  hurry  of  the 
world,  we  see  irregularities,  from  which  we  are 


95, 

exempt ;  we,  therefore,  conclude,  that  God  is  sa- 
tisfied with  us,  because  men  are,  or,  at  least,  that 
they,  in  reason,  might  be.  We  say  to  ourselves, 
that  we  are  not,  we  thank  God,  like  such  and  such 
of  our  brethren  ;  this  secret  comparison  is  sooth- 
ing to  our  mind  ;  it,  perhaps,  flatters  our  pride  ; 
and,  destitute,  as  we  are,  of  that  spirit  of  faith,  of 
that  warmth  of  zeal,  by  which  we  ought  to  be  ani- 
mated, self-love  does  not  cease  to  call  our  morals 
irreprehensible,  to  present  to  us  a  phantom  of  vir- 
tue, which  encreases  our  satisfaction,  and  encou- 
rages our  confidence.  Then,  my  Reverend  Breth- 
ren, it  is,  that  the  Holy  Spirit  addresses  us  : — 
<'  Awake,  thou  that  sleepest,  arise  from,  thy  lethar- 
*'  gy,  and  Christ  shall  give  thee  light."  Enter 
into  yourselves,  bring  before  your  eyes  the  whole 
course  of  your  ministry  ; — reflection  will  suggest 
to  you  the  degree  of  fervor,  of  piety,  of  charity, 
of  disinterestedness,  essential  to  the  discharge  of 
the  duties  of  your  sacred  calling  ;  you  will  then 
perceive  what  is  the  holiness  God  requires  of 
you  ;  you  will  look  upon  your  apparent  regularity, 
that  appearance,  that  mere  rind,  of  virtue,  ''  as 
*'  filthy  rags,  and  as  an  unclean  thing."  You 
will  find  yourselves  in  the  presence  of  God,  with- 
out light,  and  without  life  :  the  Almighty  will  speak 
unto  your  souls,  and  these  dry  bones,  like  those 
the  Prophet  saw,  ^'  shall  come  together  at  his 
*'  word, — O,  ye  dry  bones,  hear  the  word  of  the 
*'  Lord."  You  will  become  new  men  ;  you  will 
feel  yourselves,  after  a  strict  examination  of  your 
hearts,  enflamed  with  a  new  fire  ;  the  Holy  Spirit; 


96 

will  strengthen  you  against  every  prevailing  ex- 
ample, and  every  dangerous  allurement,  which 
had  heretofore  undermined  your  virtue,  and  weak- 
ened your  piety  :  the  success  of  your  exhortations 
will  correspond  to  the  new  vital  principle  which 
dictated  them  :  you  wdll  see  your  flock  awakened 
and  renewed  with  yourselves  ;  and  the  Blessed 
Spirit,  influencing  both  Minister  and  people,  will 
again  declare, — "  Behold,  I  make  all  things 
new  !"  What  consolation  to  a  Miiiister  of  the 
Gospel,  to  see  the  increase  of  the  Word,  in  that 
portion  of  the  Lord's  field,  which  is  committed  to 
him,  to  see  the  souls  of  his  hearers  delivered  from 
the  tyranny  of  the  devil,  and  the  slavery  of  sin,  and 
restored  to  him,  who  created  and  redeemed  them  1 
And,  on  the  other  hand,  what  an  awful  retrospect 
for  a  Pastor,  who  "  is  not  dead  while  he  liveth," 
w^hen  he  perceives,  that,  during  the  course  of  his 
long  ministry,  he  hath  not  withdrawn  one  soul 
from  the  ways  of  perdition  !  that  he  hath  not  cor- 
rected one  vice,  either  general  or  personal,  in  his 
parish  !  that  he  hath  hot  produced  in  it,  any  change  ! 
Will  his  life,  irreproachable  in  the  sight  of  men, 
comfort  him,  for  having  been  useless  in  his  sacred 
oflice  ?  And  may  he  not  look  for  the  cause  of  it  in 
his  own  lukewarmness,  in  the  coldness  of  his  zeal, 
rather  than  in  the  depravity  of  his  congregation  ? 
It  was  after  our  blessed  Lord's  departure  from  the 
wilderness,  that  he  began  his  ministry  ;  after 
withdrawing  himself,  from  time  to  time,  upon  the 
mount  to  pray,  that  he  continued  it,  and  that 
he    performed    works,    which   no   person  before 


97 


him  had  performed.  This  was  not,  it  is  true,  ne- 
cessary, ''  for  the  furtherance  of  the  Gospel;"  but 
his  design  was  to  leave  a  model  of  conduct,  and 
to  address  all  his  Ministers,  in  the  persons  of  the 
Apostles — *'  I  have  left  you  an  exampel,  that  ye 
should  do  as  I  have  done." 

To  these  motives,  so  interesting  in  themselves, 
and  so  calculated  to  affect  the  hearts  of  all  who  are 
dedicated  to  the  sacred  profession,  permit  me  to 
add  one  other  inflection. 

III.  The  more  extensive  this  diocese,  the  more 
reason  there  is  to  fear,  that  the  evangelical  spirit 
is  becoming,  by  little  and  little,  extinct.  The  dis- 
tance of  places  is  such,  that  we  cannot  come  to  a 
knowledge  of  many  of  the  evils  which  are  prevalent 
tliroughout  it. 

You,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  are  that  precious 
leaven,  which  God  preserves,  not  merely  to  pre- 
vent the  whole  mass  from  corruption,  but  to  sanc- 
tify it,  to  extend  it,  to  encrease  it,  and  to  multiply 
its  blessings  ;  from  you  it  is,  that  the  spirit  of  the 
priesthood  possesses  the  hearts  of  those,  who  are 
taking  upon  them  its  solemn  engagements.  If 
they  do  not  imitate  you,  they  have  at  least  before 
them  an  example  worthy  of  imitation  ;  if  your  ex- 
ample does  not  stimulate  them  to  fulfil  their  sacred 
duties,  it  does  not,  at  least,  allow  them  to  conti- 
nue ignorant  of  them.  Shame,  at  a  conduct  so 
unlike  yours ;  the  education  they  have  received, 


98 

preparatory  to  their  taking  upon  them  the  holy 
ministry,  will,  sooner  or  later,  awaken  them,  and 
they  will  begin  to  follow  your  steps. 

We  consider  you,  then,  as  entrusted  with  the 
spirit  of  the  priesthood,  which  is  preserved  in  your 
hands,  and  which  passes  from  you  to  those  whom 
we  ordain  to  the  service  of  the  altar.  Continue 
then,  my  beloved  Brethren,  and  do  not  grow  faint 
in  this  apostolical  course  :  remember  that  you  are 
the  principal  columns  of  that  grand  edifice,  which 
is  committed  to  our  care.  Assist  us,  then,  in 
supporting  the  weight  of  the  pastoral  office,  vmder 
which  we  should  faint,  if  you,  who  are  our  fellow- 
labourers,  should  not  sustain,  with  us,  a  part  of 
the  burden.  Confine  not  to  your  own  flock,  your 
zeal  "for  God's  glory  ;  animate  your  brethren  by 
your  examples,  and  by  those  insinuating  graces 
which  gain  the  affections.  Attract  by  the  gentle- 
ness of  your  temper,  the  confidence  of  those  Cler- 
gymen whose  conduct  is  not  correspondent  to  the 
holiness  of  their  engagements :  consider,  that  in 
gaining  only  one  of  the  Lord's  Ministers,  you  may 
be  the  instrument  of  salvation  to  a  whole  parish. 
Hearts  insensible  to  the  truth,  are  not,  always, 
equally  insensible  to  the  tender  affections  of  chari- 
ty :  we  may  irritate  the  evil,  by  condemning  it 
without  mercy  ,  we  sometimes  save  the  patient  by 
kindly  bearing  with  him.  I  am  detaining  you 
long,  because  it  appears  to  me,  that  such  is  the  in- 
fluence which  the  difference  of  behaviour,  and  of 
conduct,  has  over  the  minds  of  both  the  exemplary^ 


99 


and  the  dissipated,  Pastor,  as  to  keep  them  sepa- 
rated  from  each  other,  by  an,  almost,  infinite  dis- 
tance ;  because  it  appears  to  mc,  that  the  only- 
preservative  for  the  one,  is  the  company  of  the 
other  ;  and  that  it  is  essential  to  facilitate  and  pro- 
mote such  beneficial  intercourse,  to  the  end  that 
your  examples  may  become  diffusively  useful,  by 
directing  the  judgment  of  the  careless,  and  regu- 
lating the  morals  of  the  dissipated. 


CHARGE  VI. 

ON  SOLICITUDE  FOR  THE  SALVATION 
OF  SOULS. 


JVho  is  weaky  and  I  am  not  -weak  ?  Who  is  offended, 
and  I  burn  not  ? 


101 


CHARGE  VL 

ON  SOLICITUDE  FOR  THE  SALVATION 
OF  SOULS. 


THE  subject  on  which  I  shall  this  day  expatiate^ 
is  the  portion  of  zeal  every  Minister  of  the  Gospel 
ought  to  feel  for  the  salvation  of  the  souls  commit- 
ted to  his  charge :  and  the  sentiments  with  which 
his  paternal  bowels  ought  to  yearn  over  their  offen- 
ces. He,  who  observes,  without  concern,  the  ir- 
regularities of  his  flock  ;  who  is  content  with  not 
giving  his  approbation  to  the  vices  he  perceives  ; 
who  does  not  lament  the  loss  of  the  souls  entrusted 
to  him  : — a  Pastor  of  this  character  is  dead  to  the 
high  sense  of  his  calling.  Zeal  for  the  salvation 
of  men,  is,  then,  the  first  duty  of  a  Christian  Mi- 
nister :  this  is  the  principle  which  should  inspire 
him  with  resolution,  and  supply  him  with  comfort, 
in  the  discharge  of  the  most  laborious  duties  ; 
which  should  be,  as  it  were,  the  soul,  and  the  chief 
consolation,  of  his  ministry. 

In  vain  do  we  trust  to  irreproachable  conduct : 
it  is  not  sufficient  that  we  lead  a  regular  and  blame- 
less life :  if,  with  the  outward  appearance  of  virtue, 
we  are  not  penetrated  with  a  lively  sorrow,  when 
we  observe  those,  for  whom  we  must  one  day  give 
account,  running  hastily  to  destruction  ;  if  we  do 
not  insist  upon  the  motives,  and  urge  the  exhorta-- 

M 


102 

tionS  with  which  the  Gospel  furnishes  us,  to  entice 
them  from  the  paths  of  folly,  and  the  ways  of  sin  ; 
if  we  do  not,  '' iy  season,  and  out  of  season,  re- 
prove, exhort,  entreat;"  if,  content  with  not  doing 
wrong  ourselves,  we  think  our  duty  discharged, 
by  tacitly  disapproving,  or  gently,  condemning, 
offences  against  God,  and  crimes  against  society, 
we  are  not  Pastors  of  the  flock  ;  our  inactive  and 
lethargic  virtue,  will  be  an  abomination  in  the 
sight  of  God.  Let  us  not  deceive  ourselves;  re- 
gularity of  conduct,  in  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel, 
does  not,  as  some  seem  to  think,  sanction  indo- 
lence ;  because  his  people  lose  the  effect  of  that 
zeal,  which  his  example  would  more  strongly  have 
enforced :  besides,  however  irreproachable  his 
demeanor  he  has  no  more  than  the  appearance  of 
piety  ;  he  is,  in  the  sight  of  God,  "  dead  whilst  he 
"  liveth  :"  his  regularity  of  life  lulls  him  into  a 
state  of  dangerous  security  ;  but  a  piercing  sound, 
and  the  clamours  of  the  souls  of  those,  who, 
through  his  means,  have  perished,  will,  one  day, 
awaken  him  from  his  languor,  will  find  him  with 
horror,  and  overwhelm  him  with  dread ;  he  quiets 
his  mind,  because  he  compares  the  regularity  by 
which  he  is  distinguished,  with  the  dissipation  for 
which  some  of  his  brethren  may  be  notorious ;  but 
he  will  see,  that  his  righteousness,  was  only  the 
righteousness  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees. 

How  !  my  brethren,  could  a  Minister  of  Christ, 
sent  to  do  his  work  upon  earth,  to  hasten  the  build- 
ing of  the  heavenly  city,  and  the  happiness  of  the 


103 

Saints,  observe  the  kingdom  of  Satan  prevail  over 
the  empire  of  his  Master,  in  that  part  of  the  people 
committed  to  his  charge,  and  continue  unmoved 
in  his  mind,  and  inactive  in  his  functions  ?  But, 
aUhough  vice  should  not  be  prevalent  in  his  pa- 
rish, were  he  a  witness  of  it  in  other  men,  and 
there  remained  in  his  heart  one  spark  of  love  for 
his  Redeemer,  he  could  not  but  mourn  in  secret  ; 
he  could  not  but  address  himself  to  God,  in  anguish 
of  spirit,  that  he  would,  in  his  mercy,  impress  all 
unthinking  mortals  with  the  bitterness  of  remorse, 
and  a  resolution  of  amendment :  nay,  ought  he  not 
to  exercise  the  authority,  with  w^hich  the  dignity 
of  the  Priesthood  invests  him,  to  endeavour  to  in- 
spire those  who  have  forsaken  the  law  of  the  Lord, 
with  just  sentiments  of  Religion  ?  And  would  not 
such  a  Minister  betray  his  ministerial  trust,  should 
a  criminal  insensibility,  or  a  timid  prudence,  sup- 
press his  feelings,  and  close  his  mouth  '?  Could 
such  an  one  believe  himself  innocent?  But,  if 
observing  the  same  profligacy  in  his  own  parish, 
he  should  appear  equally  insensible,  w^ould  his 
regularity  of  conduct  dispel  his  apprehensions,  and 
calm  his  mind  ?  Can  a  shepherd  see  his  flock 
falling  into  a  pit,  without  running  to  them,  and  at 
least  making  them  hear  his  voice?  for,  should  only 
one  stray  from  the  fold,  it  is  his  proper  business, 
and  his  incumbent  duty,  to  traverse  the  mountains, 
and  undergo  the  greatest  hardships,  that  he  may 
recover  it,  and  bring  it  back. — No  !  Such  an 
one  is  not  a  shepherd,  he  is  an  hireling  ;  he  is 
not   a   Minister  of  Jesus   Christ,   he  usurps  the 


104 


honourable  title  ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  idea  he 
may  entertain  of  his  ov/n  righteousness,  he  is  a 
vessel  of  reprobation,  and  of  dishonour,  placed  in 
the  sanctuary  of  God. 

But  many,  it  is  objected,  are  so  impatient  of 
reproof,  so  untractable,  and  so  rude,  that  a  Cler- 
gyman would  expose  himself  to  the  mortification 
of  insult,  and  the  brutality  of  insolence,  should  he 
attempt  to  reform  the  abuses  which  he  discovers 
among  them.  What!  my  Reverend  Brethren, 
can  the  enormity  of  the  evil  become  an  excuse 
and  apology  for  indifference  to  it  ?  Your  parish- 
ioners are  rude  and  untractable  !  It  is  for  this 
very  reason,  that  you  should  redouble  your  cares, 
and  persist  in  your  importunity,  in  order  that  you 
may  soften  their  hearts,  and  reform  their  manners  : 
zeal  would  be  useless,  were  the  exercise  of  it 
confined  to  moderated  tempers,  and  gentle  minds  : 
when  you  perceive  those,  for  whom  you  must 
give  account,  rebellious  to  the  truth,  you  should 
allow  yourselves  no  rest,  enjoy  no  comfort,  so 
long  as  they  continue  in  their  criminal  dispo- 
sitions. Because  your  parishioners  have  an  high- 
er claim  upon  your  paternal  solicitude,  do  you, 
therefore,  think  yourselves  absolved  from  the 
exercise  of  it  ?  Would  you  become  an  useless, 
idle  labourer,  because  the  harvest  is  abundant  ? 
Would  the  Gospel  have  been  disseminated 
through  the  world,  and  the  cross  of  Christ  have 
triumphed  over  kings  and  people,  had  the  apos- 
tolical men,  who  preceded  us,  been  disheartened 


105 

by  the  opposition  and  deterred  by  the  obstacles, 
interposed  through  the  pride  of  learning,  and  me- 
naced by  the  arrogance  of  power  ?  What  would 
have  been  our  situation,  had  the  difficulties, 
insurmountable  to  human  prudence,  abated  their 
zeal,  and  silenced  their  efforts ;  and  if,  in  the  per- 
suasion of  finding  us  untractable  and  savage,  they 
had,  unhappily,  left  us  in  the  darkness  of  our  origi- 
nal ignorance  ?  You  dread  the  difficulties  ;  but  what 
has  the  Minister  to  dread,  who  fulfils,  with  credit 
to  himself,  and  edification  to  others,  the  office 
which  he  has  accepted  ?  What !  contempt,  calum- 
ny, perverseness?  Were  such  the  return  he  met 
with — did  his  people  '*  requite  him  hatred  for  his 
<*  good  will"  towards  them  ;  he  would  not  even, 
in  such  a  case  be  without  his  consolations.  What? 
Insults  and  provications  ? — Proceeding  from  such 
a  cause,  would  they  not  be  the  most  honourable 
seal  of  his  apostleship?  But  blessed,  for  ever 
''  blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  hath  called  us  to  this  holy  calling ;" 
we  live  in  an  age  in  which  we  are  not  only  autho- 
rized by  the  state,  but  encouraged  by  our  congre- 
gations, to  explain  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  to 
the  understanding,  and  to  enforce  the  precepts  of 
it  on  the  heait. 

Besides,  those  whom  we  represent  as  so  uncul- 
tivated in  their  manners,  and  so  ungovernable  in 
their  tempers,  seldom  shew  themselves  perverse 
and  violent  towards  an  edifying  and  zealous  Minis- 
ter,    They  revere  the  virtue  of  a  man  of  God  : 


106 


rude  as  they  may  be,  in  their  deportment,  and 
gross  in  their  conceptions,  they  are  not  without  a 
certain  degree  of  the  fear  of  God :  their  mind  is 
not  prepossessed,  nor  their  heart  vitiated  by  the 
insinuations  of  scepticism,  and  the  maxims  of  irre- 
ligion,  both  of  which  are,  unhappily,  too  preva- 
lent where  luxury  prevails,  or  dissipation  abounds ; 
they  fear,  and  still  reverence,  the  God  whom  they 
offend ;  and  our  exhortations  are  received  with 
more  submission,  and  productive  of  happier  effects, 
in  villages,  than  in  cities  and  towns,  where  learn- 
ing has  puifed  up  some,  and  wealth  intoxicated 
others. 

Say  not,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  that  morals 
have  undergone  an  entire  change ;  that  the  simpli- 
city, for  which  we  esteemed  a  great  part  of  society^ 
has  degenerated  into  unrestrained  licentiousness  ; 
that  profligacy  has  with  such  overwhelming  rapidi- 
ty passed  from  towns  to  villages,  that  we  know  not 
how  to  undertake  to  re-establish  order,  and  a  love 
of  the  ordinances  of  religion  ;  that,  when  our  pa- 
rishes were  less  corrupt,  a  clergyman  might  hope 
for  success  from  his  labours  ;  but  that,  at  this  day, 
almost  all  have  corrupted  their  ways,  and  that  in- 
difference to  religion,  and  contempt  of  heaven,  are 
so  visible  in  the  conduct  of  men,  of  all  ages  and 
conditions,  as  greatly  to  discourage,  and  almost 
entirely  to  deter,  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel  from 
making  any  attempt  at  a  general,  or  even  an  indi- 
vidual, reformation. — Now,  allowing  this  to  be 
true,  the  question  which  naturally  arises  is,  whence 


107 

proceeds  this  alarming  evil  ?  Whence  originates 
this  general  source  of  vice  among  mankind? 
Whence  is  it,  that  villages  are  not,  as  formerly,  the 
abode  of  innocence  and  simplicity  ?  Let  us  appeal 
to  our  own  hearts.  Is  it,  or  is  it  not,  to  the  ne- 
gligence, to  the  dissipation,  to  the  v^^ant  of  exer- 
tion, in  the  Pastors,  who  preside  over  them  ?  This 
is  an  awful  question.  You  complain,  that  degen- 
eracy of  morals  is  prevalent  throughout  your  par- 
ishes: but  examine  yourselves,  and  see,  whether 
the  most  dreadful  complaints  may  not  be  one  day 
made  by  your  several  parishes  against  yourselves  ? 
And  whether,  at  the  same  time,  we  perceive  peo- 
ple living  without  religion,  without  the  fear  of  God, 
without  any  limits  to  their  profligacy,  except  in 
parishes  where  the  priest  is  as  negligent  as  the 
people  are  wicked? 

Again  :  were  it  true,  that  you  had  the  unhappi- 
ness  to  superintend  a  parish,  which  was  pervaded 
by  a  public  and  general  relaxation  of  morals,  your 
soul  ought  to  be  possessed  with  the  assurance,  that 
the  almighty  hath  chosen,  and  sent  you  to  that 
sinful  people,  for  the  express  purpose  of  reclaim- 
ing their  conduct,  and  amending  their  hearts.  For 
why  are  we  called  "  the  salt  of  the  earth,  and  the 
*'  light  of  the  world,"  but  to  prevent  corruption, 
and  enlighten  darkness?  Because  our  professional 
duties  are  multiplied  by  the  encrease  of  sinners, 
are  we  authorised  to  live  in  the  utter  neglect  of 
them  ?  Did  Moses  restrain  his  zeal,  and  suppress 
his  solicitude,  when  he  saw  the  Israelites  given  to 


108 


idolatr}%  and  worshipping  the  golden  calf  which 
their  own  hands  had  made  ?  The  whole  earth  was 
sunk  in  corruption,  when  the  first  teachers  of  Chris- 
tianity received  their  commission,  "to  go  and 
*'  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature  :"  Did  they 
deliberate,  whedier  they  should  go  to  extirpate 
those  passions,  the  indulgence  of  which,  habit  had 
sanctioned  ?  In  that  general  corruption,  they  felt 
and  acknowledged  the  divinity,  and  the  necessity, 
of  their  mission :  they  considered  themselves  as 
Ministers,  and  instruments  of  salvation,  sent 
through  the  mercy  of  God,  and  the  love  of  Christ, 
to  the  whole  race  of  men,  sullied  with  guilt,  and 
abandoned  to  profligacy.  Have  we  not  succeeded 
to  their  mission  and  ministry?  Do  we  think,  then, 
that  the  Almighty  would  destroy  all  the  sinners  to 
whom  he  sends  us  ?  that  his  mercy,  in  sending  us, 
does  not  design  to  offer  to  them  instruments  and 
Ministers  of  salvation  ?  And  can  we  imagine,  that 
he  approves  of  our  unfeeling  tranquillity,  in  delay- 
ing our  interposition,  whilst  he  pours  upon  them 
his  judgments  of  wrath  and  indignation  ?  We 
should  not,  in  such  circumstances,  be  sent  to  them 
as  their  pastors,  and  their  fathers,  but  as  those 
melancholy  officers  of  human  justice  towards  con- 
demned criminals,  in  order  to  witness  and  approve 
their  punishment ;  and  our  ministry,  far  from  be- 
ing a  ministry  of  life  and  salvation,  would  be  no 
other  than  a  dreadful  ministry  of  condemnation 
and  death. 


109 


Now,  if  from  this  multitude  of  sinners,  of  whom 
we  complain,  we  should  bring  back  but  one  soul 
to  Christ,  would  not  that  precious  gain  be  a  suffi- 
cient reward  for  the  labours  and  troubles  of  a  whole 
life  ?  Should  we  not  be  sufficiently  recompensed, 
by  being  enabled  to  present  that  happy  being  to 
the  Redeemer  and  Judge  of  the  world,  and  to  hear 
that  soul,  throughout  the  duration  of  ages,  ac- 
knowledging its  obligations  to  us  in  the  holy  Jeru- 
salem, in  the  presence  of  all  the  saints  and  angels? 
Why  should  we  doubt  the  power  of  grace  over 
the  most  hardened  sinners?  *'  Is  God's  arm  short- 
*'  ened  that  it  cannot  save,"  and  the  riches  of  his 
mercy  withdrawn  from  them  whom  he  hath  re- 
deemed ?  You  might,  indeed,  be  discouraged  at 
the  sight  of  the  transgressions  of  your  people,  if 
you  had  no  other  reliance  than  on  your  own  pow- 
ers :  but  it  is  not  of  ourselves;  Christ  worketh  in 
us,  and  by  us  ;  the  weakest  instruments  are  those 
by  whom  he  is  often  pleased  to  perform  the 
mightiest  acts  :  fulfil  your  ministry  ;  this  is  all 
which  he  requires  of  you  ; — leave  we  the  rest  to 
him.  ,  ' 

And,  indeed,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  we  talk 
much  of  the  vices  of  mankind,  as  though  men  were 
too  obstinate  to  be  convinced,  too  stubborn  to  be 
subdued,  and  too  rebellious  to  be  reclaimed  r  as 
though  the  power  of  Religion  itself  were  weak  and 
ineffectuaL  To  him  belongeth  judgment,  as  well 
as  vengeance  ;  and  why  should  we  condemn, 
as   irretrievably  lost,  those  whom  the  Lord  may 

N 


110 

absolve  from  nil  their  sins  ?  We  hope  well  of  our- 
selves,— that  the  Almighty  will  one  day  change 
our  lukewarmness  into  zeal ;  and  we  despair  of 
salvation,  and  regard  as  incapable  of  happiness,  a 
great  part  of  society,  whom  ignorance,  and  the 
misfortune  of  a  bad  education,  more  than  a  want 
of  moral  principle,  and  of  Religion,  plunge  into 
criminal  excesses.  Do  we  think,  that  they  who  lead 
a  miserable  laborious  life  on  earth,  are  to  endure 
misery,  without  end,  after  death  ?  God  forbid  !  It 
,  is  toAvards  these,  principally,  that  the  Almighty- 
will  not  exercise  the  severity  of  his  justice  :  to 
them  his  bowels  of  compassion  are  always  open  ; 
*'  He  shall  save  the  poor  and  needy,  and  preserve 
*^  alive  the  souls  of  the  poor." 

But  you  will  say,  perhaps,  that  these  are  not 
the  motives  which  have  restrained  you,  and  which 
have  hitherto  prevented  the  exercise  of  your 
ministry,  in  order  to  correct  the  errors,  and  re- 
claim the  vices,  which  are  too  generally  prevalent 
in  every  parish :  you  are  afraid,  you  allege,  of 
not  being  esteemed  ;  of  passing  for  a  violent  and 
imprudent  Pastor,  and  of  not  producing  any  other 
fruit  from  your  zeal,  than  the  hatred  of  your  pari- 
shioners. 

There  is,  I  allow,  a  zeal,  proceeding  from  tem- 
per or  constitution,  which  borders  nearly  on  im- 
prudence. But  the  zeal  which  proceeds  from  love, 
is  mild  and  patient ;  it  does  not  provoke,  it  does 
not  enflame  ;  it  hates  the  sin,  but  it  loves  the  sin* 


Ill 


her  ;  it  opposes  patience  to  insensibility  ;  it  reck- 
ons not  its  troubles  and  its  solicitude  ;  it  feels,  in- 
deed, the  most  pungent  grief — not  for  its  useless 
labour,  but  for  the  danger  of  those,  whose  unto- 
wardness  is  the  sole  cause  of  disappointment  and 
mortification ;  it  returns  with  greater  fervour,  and^ 
more  abundant  love,  after  having  been  often  resists 
ed  by  perverseness,  and  withstood  by  insensibility  : 
it  tries  every  thing,  prayers,  entreaties,  holy  indig- 
nation, in  order  to  bring  back  the  sheep  that  have 
strayed.  No  !  my  brethren,  let  us  not  substitute 
humour  for  zeal :  let  us  display  towards  those 
committed  to  our  charge,  more  of  love  than  of  au- 
thority  ;  let  us  endeavour  to  persuade,  rather  than 
to  subdue,  them  :  let  us  not  mingle  the  passions 
and  the  severity  of  the  man,  with  the  zeal  and  for- 
bearance  of  the  Minister  :  let  us  not  undertake  too 
much  at  once,  lest  we  fail  in  every  thing :  let  not 
self-love  induce  us  to  urge  too  importunately  a 
work,  which  patience,  directed  by  judgment,  may 
at  length,  happily,  accomplish :  let  us  oppose  to 
the  obstacles  we  may  meet  with,  zeal,  suggested 
by  mildness,  and  tempered  by  love. 

Suffer  me,  in  conclusion,  to  exhort  you  to  cul- 
tivate in  your  breasts,  the  Christian  graces  of  zeal, 
love,  patience,  vigilance,  labour.  And  enforce 
your  labours  by  your  prayers.  Speak  more  fre- 
quently to  God,  of  the  irregularities  of  the  souls 
for  whom  you  are  to  give  account,  than  to  them- 
selves :  complain  more  frequently  to  him,  of  the 
obstacles  which  your  lukewarmness  throvvs  in  the 


112 

way  of  their  amendment,  than  of  those  occasioned 
by  their  own  obstinacy  :  attribute  to  yourselves 
alone,  the  Uttle  fruit  produced  by  your  ministry  ; 
as  a  tender  father,  excuse,  in  his  presence  the 
faults  of  your  children,  and  bring  your  accusations 
only  against  yourselves  ;  bear  them  continually  in 
your  heart,  when  you  approach  the  throne  of  grace, 
that  your  sorrow  and  lamentations  over  their  tres- 
passes, may  warrant  the  success  of  your  cares,  and 
promote  the  efficacy  of  your  instructions  ;  and  re- 
member that  you  will  always  labour  in  vain,  if  your 
prayers  do  not  draw  down  upon  your  labours  that 
grace,  which  can  alone  render  you  useful.  '*  Pray 
*'  without  ceasing.  And  may  the  God  of  peace 
"  sanctify  you  wholly.     Amen,  amen  !" 


CHARGE  VII. 

ON  SOLICITUDE  TO  SUPPRESS  VICE. 


I  bear  them  record^  that  they  have  a  zeal  for  God, 
but  not  according  to  knoxvledge. 


115 


CHARGE  VII. 

ON  SOLICITUDE  TO  SUPPRESS  VICE. 


I  HAVE,  on  former  occasions,  attempted  to 
shew  the  necessity  of  zeal  in  the  heeirt  of  a  Minis- 
ter of  the  Gospel ;  but,  as  zeal  may  not  always  be 
under  the  influence  of  judgment,  I  shall  beg  your 
attention,  whilst  I  now  shew  how  it  may  be  made 
subservient  to  the  welfare  of  mankind ;  warning 
you,  at  the  same  time,  against  whatever  may  have 
a  tendency  to  debase  its  spirit,  and  defeat  its  ef- 
ficacy. 

Now,  as  zeal  is  no  more  than  what  is,  by  St, 
Paul,  denominated,  charity  or  love, "  which  ani- 
mates and  enflames  us,  not  only  with  an  ardent 
desire  for  the  salvation  of  our  brethren,  but,  with 
a  lively  and  earnest  affection,  to  be  instrumental 
towards  it ;  in  order  to  be  assured  that  our  zeal  is 
just,  in  its  principle,  we  have  only  to  examine, 
whether  we  can  apply  it  to  some  of  the  chief  and 
distinguishing  characters,  which  the  apostle  includes 
in  charity.  For  all  zeal,  which  doth  not  resem- 
ble charity,  which  will  not  be  charity  itself,  active, 
compassionate,  humble,  mild,  patient,  disinterest- 
ed, will  not  be  zeal,  according  to  knov/ledge, — 
zeal,  which  reflects  honour  on  the  ministry,  and, 


116 


which  the  Church  expects,  and  exacts,  of  its  Mi- 
nisters. 

I  am  aware,  that  zeal,  Uke  the  spirit  of  God, 
from  which  it  proceeds,  assumes  different  forms, 
according  to  the  different  characters  of  those, 
whose  hearts  are  enflamed  by  it.  In  one,  it  is 
more  lively,  in  another,  more  gentle,  and  insinu- 
ating ;  in  a  third,  more  terrible  and  menacing.  But 
this  diversity  is  always  seen  concentred,  in  the 
fixed  point  of  charity.  These  are  but  different 
ways,  leading  to  the  same  end  ;  qualities,  all  bear- 
ing the  divine  character  of  the  principle  from 
which  they  proceed.  Every  one  has  his  gift,  or 
talent,  which  is  marked  by  its  distinguishing  cha- 
racteristics. Let  us,  then,  examine  some  of  the 
principal  features,  which  the  Apostle  attributes 
to  charity ;  they  are  the  same  which  constitute 
true  zeal. 

Zeal,  originating  in  charity,  is  patient ;  for,  cha- 
rity, as  the  Apostle  expresses  it  "  suffereth  long." 
Secret  pride  grows  weary,  and  is  disgusted,  when  the 
efficacy  of  its  labours  is  not  in  proportion  to  the  so- 
licitude which  suggested  them;  it  would  make  grace 
subservient  to  its  own  glory  ;  the  moment  it  feels 
disappointment,  its  zeal,  which  this  secret  and  fo- 
reign fire,  alone,  enkindled,  soon  begins  to  cool, 
and  then  becomes  extinct ;  the  work  of  the 
ministry  presents  nothing  but  what  is  unplea- 
sant and  uninteresting  ;    wc   consider  it,   almost 


117 


useless,  because   self-love  is  not  better  rewarded 
for  its  labours. 

Sometimes,  with  motives,  it  would  seem,  more 
pure  and  refined,  we  attribute  the  unworthy  re- 
ception of  the  Gospel  to  the  obduracy  of  sinners  ; 
this  insensibility  excites  dissatisfaction,  and  pro- 
vokes impatience,  rather  than  compassion  and  love : 
we  are  cold  in  their  interest,  when,  from  our 
knowledge  of  their  moral  wants,  we  are  bound  to 
watch  over  them  with  paternal  solicitude,  and,  to 
embrace  every  opportunity  of  extirpating  the  love 
of  sin,  and  implanting,  in  its  stead,  a  love  of  God. 
The  hard-heartedness  of  sinners,  it  is  true,  often 
frustrates  our  utmost  endeavours  :  but  we  are  still 
to  feel  for  their  miserable  situation,  and  "  to  cry 
mightily,  to  God,"  in  their  behalf;  a  sense  of 
their  deplorable  state,  should  awaken  our  alFection 
and  zeal,  rather  than  suppress  and  extinguish  our 
efforts. 

The  Ministers  of  the  Church  are  perpetually 
complaining  of  the  indocility  of  those  who  are  en- 
deared to  them  by  the  strongest  ties ;  they  com- 
plain of  it,  violently,  to  men,  but  not  sufficiently 
to  God.  They  wish  their  labours  to  be  effectual, 
in  promoting  the  reformation  of  their  several  flocks, 
because  it  is  flattering,  and  because  we  attribute 
this  reformation  of  sinners,  always  to  ourselves  : 
those,  who  deprive  us  of  this  human  consolation, 
rob  us  of  a  glory,  which  we  consider  as  our  due, 

o 


118 

and  refuse  us  that  docility,  ^vhicll  we  might,  ac- 
cording to  our  opinion,  justly  expect  from  them  : 
we,  therefore,  soon  hold  them  in  contempt ;  we 
leave  them  to  their  own  insensibility  ;  and  appear 
as  little  affected  with  their  miserable  situation,  as 
they  are  with  our  ineffectual  endeavours. 

But  the  zeal  of  charity,  says  the  Apostle,  "  re- 
**  proves,    rebukes,    exhort-;"     its    affection    en- 
creases  with  the  progress  of  the  complaint,  and  to 
new  obstacles,  opposes  the  patience,  which  pro- 
duces hope  ;  that  is  to  say,  it  gives  the  Christian 
Pastor  more  abundant  concern,  and  supplies  him 
Avith  new  models  of  instruction.     Actuated  by  this 
evangelical    zeal,    he   continually  supplicates   the 
Throne  of  Grace,  that  he  may  be  an  humble  in- 
strument in  the  hands  of  the  Most  High,  in  turn- 
ing many  to  righteousness  :  the   longer  God,  in 
his  wisdom,  delays  to  hear  his  petitions,  and  to 
grant  his  requests,  the  more  he  labours  to  render 
him    propitious,    by   redoubling  his  efforts,     and 
pouring  out  his  sorrows  ;  the  impotence  of  his  mi- 
nistry he  attributes  to  his  want  of  faith,  and  to  hu- 
man weakness,  which,  unhappily,  mingle  with  his 
sacred  obligations.     Those  Pastors,  who  sow,  but 
receive  no  encrease,  should  all  be  directed  by  the 
same  spirit  which  guided  the  Apostle — "  Master, 
''  we  have  toiled,"  said  Peter,  "  all  the  night,  and 
**  haA'c  taken  nothing  :  nevertheless,  at  thy  word, 
"  I  will  let  down  the  net."     Hitherto,   O  Lord,  all 
my  cares,  towards  the  people  thou  hast  committed 
to  my  charge,  have  produced  nothing.     I  do  not 


119 


oease  to  cast  the  net,  and  it  returns  to  me  empty  : 
— neither  have  I  the  consolation  of  drawing  one 
soul  from  the  depth  of  the  waters,  and  the  abyss 
of  iniquity.  Notwithstanding,  thou  commandest 
me  to  labour  still,  and  not  to  be  weary  ;  thou 
wouldest,  that  I  should  imitate  thy  patience,  and 
thy  fatherly  goodness,  which  often  knock  at  the 
door  of  a  rebellious  heart,  and  which,  though 
many  times  repulsed  with  rudeness,  and  rejected 
with  disdain,  after  once  gaining  admission,  eagerly 
enter  in.  Following  thy  blessed  steps,  I  will  not 
abandon  the  pious  work  :  Thou  commandest,  and 
thy  commands  ensure  success;  Thou  wilt  grant 
it,  when  it  pleaseth  thee;  and  my  impatience, 
far  from  hastening,  retards  it;  thou  wouldest  that  all 
men  should  know,  that  he  who  planteth,  and  that 
he  who  watereth,  are  alike,  nothing,  and  that  the 
fruit  of  righteousness,  in  the  heart,  and  in  the 
life,  is  the  work  of  thy  mercy,  and  the  cftect  of 
thy  power. 

From  patience  proceeds  kindness  ; — *'  Charity," 
says  the  Apostle,  "  is  kind.'' 

But,  when  St.  Paul  includes  kindness,  among 
the  characters  of  genuine  zeal,  he  does  not  mean 
that  softness,  that  pusillanimity,  that  courtesy., 
which  disposes  us  to  suppress  those  arguments 
which  would  first  fill  the  sinner  with  terror,  and 
might,  afterw^ards,  lead  him  to  repentance  ;  inso- 
much, that  instead  of  prevailing  with  him  to  for- 
sake his  evil  courses,  we  confirm  him  in  them. 


120 


and  furnish  him  with  means  to  suppress  the  alarms, 
or  ekide  the  remonstrances,  of  conscience. 

Zeal,  which  results  from  charity,  assumes  dif- 
ferent forms,  according  to  the  several  wants  of 
our  flock.  But  it  is  always  the  kindness  of  cha- 
rity which  suggests  the  expressions,  whether  of 
comfort,  or  of  terror.  The  harshness,  the  seve- 
rity of  censure,  honoured  with  the  name  of  zealy 
it  totally  disavows.  Zeal,  which  would  blaze 
abroad  the  depravity  it  cannot  correct,  is  not  that 
which  originates  in  charity.  The  Pastor,  who  is 
possessed  of  this,  makes  the  irregularities  of  his 
brethren  the  subject  of  his  lamentations,  and  not 
of  his  public  animadversions  :  he  does  not  ex- 
patiate upon  their  faults  to  men,  but,  by  a  ten- 
der application  to  themselves,  strives  to  reclaim 
their  hearts,  that  they  may  obtain  the  favour  of 
God.       • 

Sometimes,  indeed,  under  the  pretence  of  zeal, 
the  Ministers  of  the  Gospel  discover  towards  their 
people  the  utmost  violence— pointing  at  them,  as 
it  were  with  their  finger,  in  their  public  discourses  : 
describing  them,  by  characters,  so  personal, 
and  striking,  that  no  one,  in  the  congregation,  can 
fail  of  perceiving  the  unjustifiable,  and  unworthy 
design  of  the  Preacher^. 

*  I  am  unwilling  to  believe,  that  a  Clergyman  of  the  Church 
of  England,  can  prostitute  the  pulpit  to  so  diabolical  a  pur- 
pose. 


121 


A  Christian  Minister  cannot  be  too  much  on  his 
guard,  cannot  too  frequently,  nor  too  seriously, 
exercise  his  judgment,  on  this  important  subject. 
For,  if  his  zeal  be  not  according  to  knowledge,  his 
ministry  is  not  merely  useless,  but  odious,  to  his 
flock  :  to  the  dislike  which  sinners  have  of  virtue^ 
he  adds  the  hatred  of  him  who  preaches  it. 

Zeal,  which  results  from  charity,  is  respected, 
and  beloved,  by  those,  whose  irregularities  it  re- 
proves, and  whose  profligacy  it  condemns.  If  it 
does  not  render  vice  odious,  it,  at  least,  takes  care 
not  to  subject  the  ministry  to  contempt ;  if  it  does 
not  withdraw  men  from  the  paths  of  folly,  it,  at 
least  succeeds  in  gaining  their  esteem  for  virtue. 
Zeal  which  is  according  to  knowledge,  may  be 
compared  to  the  behaviour  of  an  affectionate  mo- 
ther to  her  children,  who,  by  every  effort  which 
ingenuity  can  suggest,  and  every  toil,  which  pa- 
tience can  endure,  strives  to  implant  in  them  a 
principle  of  rectitude,  and  a  love  of  virtue  :  if  her 
maternal  intentions  are  disappointed,  her  tears,  and 
her  sorrows,  are  the  only  resentment  she  betrays, 
at  their  ingratitude :  the  farther  they  deviate  from 
the  paths  of  wisdom  and  prudence,  the  more 
her  love  for  them  seems  to  encrease ;  the  nearer 
she  sees  them  on  the  point  of  perishing,  the  more 
her  tenderness  is  enlarged,  and  her  affection  awa- 
kened :  zeal  is  never  excited  by  ill  temper  and 
chagrin ;  it  is  love,  alone,  which  dictates  its  admo- 
nition, and  urges  its  rebukes. 


122 

In  the  third  place,  this  zeal,  arising  from  chari- 
ty, not  only  extinguishes  in  our  hearts  every  de- 
gree of  impatience,  but  moreover,  affords  us  sa- 
tisfaction and  pleasure,  as  often  as  we  perceive  the 
ministerial  labours  of  our  brethren  accompanied 
with  more,  and  greater,  blessings,  than  our  own 
— ''  Charity  envieth  not." 

This  mean  jealousy  is  so  repugnant  to  the  spirit 
of  that  zeal  which  proceeds  from  charity — they  are 
so  opposite  in  their  principles — that  they  cannot 
subsist  together.  The  former  is  a  meanness  of 
soul,  which  grieves,  even  at  the  Repentance  of  sin- 
ners, at  the  progress  of  the  gospel,  at  the  glory 
of  God,  and  the  power  of  his  grace,  w^hen,  by  the 
ministry  of  another  person,  the  Almighty  calls  the 
thoughtless,  and  the  profligate  from  the  evil  of 
their  ways :  when  under  '.ne  influence  of  this  de- 
testable passion,  we  (^  "  opose,  to  ourselves, 
the  salvation  of  our   c-  a — No  !  only  the  idle 

vanity  of  becoming,  in  our  own  persons,  the  in- 
struments, and  the  ministers  of  it.  We  are  no  fur- 
ther interested  in  promoting  the  glory  of  God,  than 
as  we  can  attach  our  own  to  it :  we  could  even 
bear  to  see  our  brethren  perish,  rather  than  that 
they  should  be  saved  by  other  cares,  and  other 
talents,  than  our  own.  Provided  that  the  Gospel 
was  preached,  the  Apostle  rejoiced,  although  it 
should  be  by  the  ministry  of  those,  who  misinter- 
preted his  views,  and  misrepresented  his  charac- 
ter, to  the  Christian  Church  ;  w^hereas,  we  would 
stand  alone,  and  suffer  no  one  to  participate  with 


123 


us,  in  proclaiming  the  truth,  and  impressing  the 
influence,  of  the  Gospel,  on  the  hearts  of  men* 
whatever  good  is  done  by  others,  i^  insupportable 
to  us,  and  we  consider  the  gifts  which  God  is 
pleased  to  confer  upon  our  brethren,  as  subjects 
of  our  confusion  and  disgrace.  Alas !  that  the 
duties  of  the  ministry,  which  should  surely  re- unite 
all  ordained  to  the  same  office,  should  divide  them: 
we  look  upon  the  labourers  employed  in  the  same 
vineyard  with  ourselves,  with  an  eye  of  jealousy  ; 
we  depreciate,  we  mutually  disparage,  the  talents 
of  each  other  ;  we  are  eager  to  attract,  and  to  con- 
fine, to  ourselves,  general  applause  :  and  we 
think,  that  we  have  promoted  God's  glory,  by 
withholding  it  from  those,  to  whom,  without  our 
artful  interposition,  it  would  have  been  given ; 
as  if  public  applause,  rather  than  the  secret  effu- 
sions of  grace,  would  constitute  us  diligent  work- 
men, and  faithful  stewards,  in  the  eyes  of  God. 
But  we  do  not  stop  here  ;  we  arraign  the  principle 
by  which  other  men  are  actuated  :  and  a  ministry 
of  peace  becomes  a  cause  of  war,  and  of  dissen- 
tion  ;  we  disseminate  the  same  spirit  of  division 
among  our  hearers  : — the  jealousy  of  the  Minis- 
ters possesses  the  minds  of  their  people  ;  some  are 
of  Cephas,  and  others  of  Paul ;  it  is  well,  if  one 
among  them  be  of  Jesus  Christ.  What  a  subject 
of  affliction  to  the  Church,  and  of  triumph  to  its 
enemies ! 

Believe  me,  my  Brethren,  true   zeal  perceives, 
with  holy  transports,  the  work  of  the  Gospel^  pro- 


124 


gressively  going  on,  conquering,  and  to  conquer, 
in  the  hand  of  all  its  Ministers,  employed  by  the 
Church  ;  if  the  Gospel  be  preached,  its  desires  are 
satisfied.  Possessed  of  this  zeal,  we  are  even 
persuaded,  that  the  talents  of  those,  who  are  or- 
dained to  the  same  holy  calling,  are  better  calcu- 
lated to  be  serviceable  to  the  Church,  than  our 
own,  because  we  would  willingly  believe,  that 
they  are  not  sullied  by  the  same  weaknesses.  Our 
hearts  are  only  filled  with  sorrow,  to  see  the  har- 
vest abundant,  and  so  few  labourers,  either  not 
capable  of  the  employ,  or  not  hearty  in  the  cause  : 
we  demonstrate,  by  our  whole  conduct,  that  no- 
thing is  greater,  and  more  worthy  of  Religion,  than 
zeal,  sustained  by  charity ;  and,  on  the  other  hand, 
that  nothing  is  so  mean,  so  contemptible,  so  dis- 
graceful, to  the  sacred  ministry,  as  that  zeal,  which 
betrays  itself,  in  vexatious  jealousies,  and  foolish 
envyings. 

But  it  would  signify  little,  to  preserve  our  zeal, 
from  the  poison  of  jealousy,  if  we  were  not,  at  the 
same  time,  upon  our  guard,  to  avoid  temerity,  and 
imprudence.  For  "  Charity  doth  not  behave  it- 
*'  self  unseemly." 

Fourthly.  Zeal  is  a  holy  desire  of  becoming  use- 
ful to  mankind ;  but  a  desire,  directed  by  judg- 
ment, and  tempered  by  prudence,  which  suggests 
to  us,  the  choice  of  means.  Whatever  presents 
itself  as  good,  is  not  always,  on  that  account,  pro- 
per ;  that  which  may  be  lawful,  is  not  always  ex- 


125 


peciient.  If  you  see  that  your  zeal  will  rather  ii  * 
ritate,  than  persuade,  take  care,  lest  you  expose 
yourself  to  contempt,  and  the  Gospel  to  derision  ; 
lest  you  rather  gratify  your  own  impatience,  than 
relieve  your  brother's  infirmities. 

The  Apostle,  it  is  true,  enjoins,  that  wt  be  *'  in- 
"  stant,  in  season,  and  out  of  season  ;"  by  which 
he  means,  that  the  negligence  with  which  our  so- 
licitude is  received,  is  not  to  silence  our  exertions, 
and  deaden  our  sensibility  :  in  other  words,  when 
profligacy  is  gaining  ground,  we  are  to  exert  our 
utmost  efforts  to  suppress  it :  call  this,  if  you  please, 
excess  ;  but  it  is  an  excess  which  charity  pre- 
scribes, and  religion  sanctions,  which  the  com- 
mand of  Heaven  exacts  of  us,  and  the  consoling, 
and  unhoped-for  success,  with  which  it  is,  some- 
times accompanied,  always  justifies.  This  is  what 
the  Apostle  means,  by  being  "  instant,  in  season, 
and  out  of  season:"  but  he  would  not,  thereby, 
signify  to  us,  that  the  pretended  sanctity  of  our 
motives  would  excuse  the  irregularity,  and  the 
rashness,  of  our  proceedings. 

We,  frequently,  see  Ministers,  whom  an  ungov- 
ernable zeal,  sometimes,  involves  in  the  greatest 
perplexities.  They  undertake  every  thing  ;,  what- 
ever promises  them  any  good,  animates,  and  puts 
them  in  motion  ;  nothing  seems  to  them  impos- 
sible ;  and  nothing  appears  to  be  in  its  right  place  ; 
they  would  change,  they  would  remove,  every 
thing:    they  begin,   by  throwing  into  confusion 


'    126 

whatever  they  touch,  under  the  pretence  of  rc-es- 
tabhshmg  order.  Bold,  restless  spirits,  who,  if 
they  can  exercise  their  turbulent  zeal,  are  satisfied 
with  themselves,  and  think  ^'  they  have  fulfilled  all 
righteousness."  These,  notwithstanding  are  la- 
borers, good  in  their  intention,  indefatigable  in 
their  calling,  irreprehensible  in  their  morals,  and 
who  are  led  into  these  extravagances,  by  the  very 
excess  of  their  piety.  It  is  lamentable,  that  among 
the  small  number  of  Ministers  the  Church  esteems 
capable  of  serving  her,  by  their  appropriate  ta- 
lents, and  exemplary  life,  any  should  be  found, 
whom  indiscretion  and  temerity  render,  not  only 
useless  in  their  station,  but  injurious  to  their  cause. 

But  jealousy  and  rashness  are  the  ordinary  con- 
sequences of  pride,  and  of  zeal  without  knowledge  : 
in  order,  therefore,  to  banish  more  effectually  these 
two  vices,  from  their  attendance  upon  this  pastoral 
virtue,  the  Apostle  adds,  that  it  is  necessary  to 
suppress  pride — ''  Charity,"  he  says,  "  is  not 
puffed  up." 

Fifthly.  Zeal,  indeed,  is  not  puffed  up,  either 
with  its  talents,  or  the  success  of  them,  nor  with  the 
want  of  talents,  and  of  success  in  others  ;  neither 
with  the  vain  praises,  nor  severe  censures,  of  men, 
neither  with  the  favor,  nor  with  the  contempt  of  the 
great :  in  a  word,  the  poisonous  breath  of  pride, 
finds  all  the  avenues  of  the  heart  closed  by  charity, 
and  is  there  refused  any  abode,  to  taint  the  gifts  of 
God.     Zeal,  that  zeal,  at  least,  which  lam  describ- 


127 

ing,  whose  principle  is  love,  attributes  nothing  to 
itself;  its  first  impression  is,  to  annihilate  within  us 
every  high  thought  of  ourselves;  to  efface  all  idea  of 
the  man,  and  to  substitute  God  alone,  in  his  place. 

Still,  how  seldom  is  it  that  man  is  not  dazzled 
with  empty  applause  !  ''  Rejoice  not,"  said  our 
Lord,  to  his  disciples,  **  because  the  spirits  are 
**  subject  unto  you,  but  rather  rejoice,  because 
'^  your  names  are  written  in  heaven."  It  i§,  alas  ! 
but  too  true,  that  we  applaud  ourselves,  when  our 
exhortations,  whether  public  or  personal,  produce 
any  apparent  good — an  effect  which  is  to  be  attri- 
buted entirely  to  God — whilst  we  look  with  indif- 
ference on  the  infirmities  which  debase,  and  the 
passions  which  defile,  our  own  character  ;  and,  af- 
ter having  striven  with  unremitted  assiduity,  to 
prevail  with  your  flocks,  to  make  their  peace  with 
God,  that  their  names  may  be  written  in  the  book 
of  life,  we  ourselves  may  be  called  into  another 
scene  of  existence,  before  we  are  become  the  ob- 
jects of  God's  mercy.  What  instances,  even  of 
the  most  successful  labour,  can  be  compared  to 
that  which  attended  the  ministry  of  the  great  Apos- 
tle ?  Cities  and  provinces  were  brought,  by  his 
unwearied  exertions  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth? 
Notwithstanding  he  was  apprehensive  that,  after 
labouring  to  instruct  and  confirm  mankind,  in 
the  faith  of  the  Gospel,  he  himself  might  be  re- 
jected— *'  Lest,"  he  says,  "  after  having  preached 
"  to  others,  I,  myself,  should  become  a  cast- away." 
To  himself  he  arrogated  nothing :  but  he  feared, 


128 


lest  the  gifts  of  God  should  make  him  forget  the 
weaknesses  of  the  man. 

The  zeal,  then,  which  we  are  describing,  is  per- 
suaded, that  God  refuses  to  other  men  these  exter- 
nal gifts,  only,  that  he  may  enrich  them  more  abun- 
dantly with  the  inward  and  inestimable  blessings 
of  his  love,  and  of  his  grace  :  far  from  exalting  us 
above  them,  by  secret  comparisons,  it  disposes  us 
to  contemplate,  with  complacency,  their  more 
perfect  state  of  holiness  and  righteousness,  whilst 
it  considers  itself  as  a  channel  often  dry,  after  hav- 
ing refreshed  the  adjoining  soil  with  its  waters. 
Great  talents  do  not  necessarily  imply  the  greatest 
virtues  in  their  possessors  :  they  render  us  more 
useful  to  men,  but  we  do  not  always  become  there- 
by the  most  acceptable  to  God.  *'  He  who  giveth 
*'  to  every  man  severally,  as  he  will,"  hath,  with 
such  infinite  wisdom,  dispensed  his  blessings,  that 
not  always  those  to  whom  he  seems  to  have  allot- 
ted the  largest  portion,  do  most  abound  in  the 
graces  of  his  spirit  ;  on  the  other  hand,  those  to 
whom  he  refuses  the  most  shining  talents,  he  re- 
compences  by  an  abundance  of  grace,  known  to 
himself  alone,  and  often  infinitely  more  deserving 
of  admiration,  than  that  external  shew,  which  at- 
tracts the  applause  of  men,  and  which,  by  theise 
very  means,  leaves  us,  not  infrequently,  devoid  of 
grace,  and  full  of  ourselves,  before  God. 

The  last  character   of  zeal   I  shall  mention,  is, 
that  ''  it  thinketh  no  evil." 


129 

Sixthly..  It  is  a  fault,  peculiar  to  men  actuated 
by  an  intemperate  zeal,  to  consider  some  sinners, 
who  seem  insensible  to  their  instructions,  negligent 
of  their  advice,  and  deaf  to  their  remonstrances, 
as  in  a  state  of  inevitable  perdition  ;  and  the 
more  solicitous  they  are  for  the  salvation  of  those 
unhappy  people,  the  less  hope  they  entertain  of 
promoting  it.  They  imagine,  that  they  see  God's 
seal  of  reprobation  engraven  on  the  hearts  of  those 
infatuated  men  :  the  warmth  of  their  language 
confirms  the  temerity  of  their  thoughts ;  they 
loudly  lament  over  them,  as  men  already  judged; 
and,  as  though  they  were  acquainted  before  hand 
with  the  counsels  of  Heaven,  or  the  Lord's  mer- 
cies were  not  more  abundant,  than  their  unchari- 
tableness  ;  they  look  upon  those  as  lost,  whom 
God  is,  it  may  be,  about  to  receive  into  his  fa- 
vour, and  bless  with  his  protection.  To  entertain 
such  sentiments  is  an  outrage,  committed  against 
the  power  of  his  grace  ;  it  is  to  regard  the  atone- 
ment, made  by  the  blood  of  his  Son,  as  ineffectual ; 
it  is  to  make  the  time  of  this  life,  which  is  the  pe- 
riod of  repentance  and  mercy,  a  season  of  his  wrath 
and  vengeance.  The  children  of  the  kingdom 
may  be  cast  out ;  and  God  may,  of  very  stones, — 
of  hearts,  the  most  hard  and  insensible, — raise  up 
children  unto  Abraham.  The  conversion  of  Satan 
alone,  and  of  his  angels,  are  the  only  things  we  are 
forbidden  to  hope  for  ;  but  as  to  our  brethren, 
who  live  still  among  us,  and  for  whom  Christ  died, 
however  sinful,  and  however  wicked — the  blood 
Qf  the  true  Abel  may  cry  for  them  towards  heaven, 


130 


and  supplicate,  not  their   punishment,    but  their 
salvation  and  their  deliverance. 

And  you,  who  judge  your  brother  before  God 
has  passed  sentence  upon  him,  how  know  you, 
whether,  strong  as  you  may  appear  in  the  power 
of  the  Lord,  you  may  not  fall  upon  your  own  sted- 
fastness,  never  to  rise  again  ;  and  whether  your 
brother,  whom  you  consider  as  fallen,  everlasting- 
ly, from  the  favour  of  God,  may  not  rise,  to  fall  no 
more  ?  Who  hath  revealed  to  you  the  unfathom- 
able depths  of  the  mercy  and  justice  of  God,  to- 
wards men  !  "  Judge  nothing,"  says  the  Apostle, 
''  before  the  time  :" — -May  we  all  work  out  our 
ow^n  salvation,  with  fear,  and  labour  to  promote 
that  of  others,  with  diligence  ! 

Let  us  never  forget,  my  Brethren,  that  the  zeal 
of  charity,  '*  like  charity  itself,  suffereth  long,  and 
**  is  kind  ;  that  it  envieth  not ;  that  it  vaunteth 
"  not  itself;  is  not  pujfed  up  ;  is  not  easily  pro- 
"  voked  ;  thinketh  no  evil."  Let  us  banish  all 
odious  characters  from  our  zeal ;  let  us  humble 
our  own  spirit ;  and  may  the  spirit  of  God,  alone, 
work  and  act  in  us  !  Zeal  hath  vanquished  the 
world,  in  the  mouths  of  the  first  Preachers  of  the 
Gospel  ;  it  will  again  in  ours,  if  the  Spirit  of  God 
inspire  us  with  what  we  shall  think,  and  what  we 
shall  speak.  The  world  shew^ed  a  greater  repug- 
nance to  the  truth,  when  first  proclaimed  by  the 
Gospel :  the  severity  of  laws,  the  rage  of  su- 
perstition,   the  wisdom   of  philosophy,  all,  with 


131 


their  united  force,  opposed  to  it,  and  all  acknow- 
ledged its  irresistible  power ;  and  it  would,  again, 
be  honoured  with  the  same  triumphs,  were  it  en- 
trusted with  the  same  Ministers.  Let  us  enter 
into  the  spirit  of  our  holy  predecessors,  and  we 
shall  enter  into  the  success  of  their  labours  :  let 
us  imitate  the  same  zeal,  and  we  shall  gather  the 
same  fruit  from  it :  the  world  is  not  more  vicious ; 
— No  !  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel  are  less  holy, 
and  less  diligent.  Let  us  render  ourselves  worthy 
of  being  the  preachers  of  the  truth,  and  we  shall 
once  more  be  enabled  to  deliver  the  world,  by  the 
power  of  its  evidence,  and  the  efficacy  of  its  per- 
suasion. 


CHARGE  VIII. 

ON  A  GOOD  EXAMPLE. 
Be  thou  an  example  of  the  believers. 


133 

CHARGE  VIII. 
ON  A  GOOD  EXAMPLE. 


THE  character  by  which  the  Clergy  ought  to 
be  distinguished  from  other  men,  is  not  a  spirit  of 
dominion,  but  a  principle  of  love.  "  We  are  not 
"  to  be  lords  over  God's  heritage,  but  examples  of 
^*  the  flock,  entrusted  to  our  care."  It  is  chiefly 
in  becoming  "  an  example,  in  word,  in  conversa- 
*^  tion,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity," 
that  we  support  the  high  title  we  have  the  honour 
to  bear.  Christ  himself,  the  great  "  Shepherd, 
<'  and  Bishop  of  our  souls,  left  not  the  glory  which 
*'  he  had,  with  the  Father,  before  the  world  was," 
in  order  to  receive  honour  from  men.  No. ! 
he  was  to  become  our  example ;  an  example  of 
labour,  of  sorrow,  of  meekness,  of  charity,  of 
suffering.  ''  I  have  given  you,"  says  he,  to  his 
disciples,  "  an  example."  He  has  left  us,  in  his 
place,  for  the  very  purpose  of  becoming,  as  is  ex- 
pressed by  the  Apostle,  "  an  example  of  the  be- 
lievers ;"  that  we  should  do  to  others,  as  he  hath 
done  to  us. 

Example  is,  then,  the  ground- work  of  a  Clergy- 
man's character ;  without  which,  all  the  duties  of 
our  station,  however  engaging,  and  eloquent,   we 

9. 


134 

may  be,  in  the  performance  of  some,  and  attentive, 
and  punctual,  in  the  discharge  of  all,  only  create 
disgust  and  dissatisfaction. 

The  pastoral  office  is,  in  a  great  measure,  useless; 
it  is  not  that  the  efficacy  of  the  Sacraments  depends 
on  the  virtues  of  the  Minister.  The  inestimable 
blessings  of  God  to  his  Church  would  be  unstable 
and  uncertain,  could  our  weaknesses,  either  anni- 
hiliate  their  efficacy,  or  suspend  their  course. 

But  the  piety,  the  instructions,  the  prayers  of  a 
faithful  Pastor,  prepare  his  hearers  to  receive  the 
blessings  of  the  Gospel,  in  such  a  way,  as  to  gain 
access  to  their  hearts,  and  thereby,  to  render 
them  ''  a  people  prepared  for  the  Lord  ;"  where- 
as, a  Clergyman,  who  does  not  edify  the  souls, 
committed  to  his  care,  dispenses,  indeed,  the 
same  treasures,  and  the  same  graces  ;  but  they  fall 
upon  an  unprepared  soil,  upon  hearts  which  his 
example  hath  not  only  indisposed  to  receive  them, 
but  hath  also  rendered  inaccessible  to  all  the 
influences  of  grace  :  ''he  strews,  but  he  doth 
not  gather;"  his  Chnrch  is  a  dry,  and  barren 
field,  which  produces  only  thorns  :  his  congre- 
gation approach  the  holy  Table  with  the  same 
irreverence  as  they  discover  in  their  Pastor,  and 
his  instructions  both  find,  and  leave,  his  auditors 
so  prejudiced  against  his  conduct,  as  to  derive  no 
advantage  from  them.  If  he  is  called  to  visit  the 
sick,  or  attend  the  dying,  his  presence  rather  ex- 
hibits to  them  this  world,  than  eternity ;  the  love 


135 


of  the  present  life,  much  more  than  the  expectation, 
and  the  desire,  of  that  which  is  to  come.  What  a 
misfortmie  to  a  people  whom  God  hath  entrusted 
to  such  a, Minister!  a  misfortune,  still  greater,  if 
that  people  feel  the  common  calamities  with  which 
Providence  may  have  sometimes  afflicted  them, 
and  are  not  alive  to  the  greatest  and  most  severe 
scourge  with  which  he  can  afflict  them  ;  which  is, 
to  leave  them  to  be  conducted  by ^  an  unfaithful 
guide. 

And  what  is  still  more  deplorable,  as  a  Pastor  of 
this  character  seldom  delights  in  study,  and  cannot 
delight  in  prayer,  he  must,  necessarily,  pass  his 
time  in  company  ;  and  the  more  he  lives  in  society, 
the  less  useful  he  is.  For  what  benefit  can  man= 
kind  receive  from  his  conversation  ?  What  do  they 
see,  in  seeing  him  ?  Nothing  which  can  lead  them 
to  cultivate  the  love  of  God,  and  inspire  a  love  of 
piety ; — nothing  which  eradicates  the  passions  and 
prejudices,  indulged  by  those  who  are  not  under 
the  influence  of  religion. 

On  the  other  hand,  we  perceive  the  inestimable 
advantage,  which  a  parish  derives  from  the  exam- 
ple and  conversation  of  a  respectable  and  godly 
Minister.  Wherever  he  is,  his  life,  his  morals,  are 
a  continual  lesson  of  instruction.  Abundant  is  the 
good  we  may  do,  by  being  faithful  to  our  trust ; 
and  dreadful  will  be  the  account  the  Sovereign 
Pastor  will  demand  of  us,  should  our  conduct  have 
been  an  obstacle  to  the  innumerable  blessings  await- 


ing  a  proper  discharge  of  our  duty,  and  which  might 
have  actually  been  acquired,  had  an  exemplary 
Pastor  filled  our  place.  Let  us  often  dwell  on  this 
awful  and  humiliating  reflection: — Had  a  worthy 
Clergyman  been  at  the  head  of  the  flock  over  which 
J  preside,  and  in  the  midst  of  whom  my  ministry 
has  produced  no  change  for  the  better, — what  sins 
might  he  not  have  prevented? — what  inveterate 
wounds  might  he  not  have  healed  ? — what  a  renewal 
of,  piety  throughout  his  parish  ? — what  a  number 
of  souls  might  he  have  reclaimed,  from  the  error 
of  their  ways  ? — how  many,  ready  to  fall,  might  he 
not  have  preserved  ? — how  many  might  he  have 
rescued  from  the  prince  of  darkness,  and  have  pre- 
sented them,  washed  from  all  their  sins,  in  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb,  at  the  throne  of  God? 

But  with  what  consternation  will  an  useless  Pastor 
then  appear,  whose  example,  far  from  having  edi- 
fied those  for  whom  Christ  died,  tended  to  corrupt 
their  ways,  to  darken  their  understandings,  and  to 
harden  their  hearts?  How  will  he  appear,  in  the 
presence  of  an  assembled  world,  before  the  Supreme 
Judge,  invested  with  an  holy  character,  which  will 
only  encrease  his  condemnation  ?  The  souls  with 
which  he  will  be  surrounded,  will  be  those,  who, 
having  been  committed  to  his  care,  were  confirm- 
ed in  error,  by  his  example  ;  souls,  wlio  will  re- 
present to  their  Judge,  that  had  he  in  his  mercy, 
sent  them  a  priest  ''  after  his  own  heart,"  a 
Pastor,  who  would  have  been  their    guide,   and 


137 

their  model,  they  '*  like  Tyre    and   Sidori,  would 
**  have  repented  in  sackcloth  and  ashes." 

Prodigious,  then,  is  the  evil,  when  the  Pastor 
doth  not  edify  his  flock,  by  his  example,  as  he, 
thereby,  destroys  the  efficacy  of  his  ministerial 
office,  prodigious  is  the  evil,  when,  combating,  by 
his  morals,  the  truths  which  he  preaches,  he  there- 
by weakens  the  force,  and  prevents  the  application, 
of  them,  to  the  circumstances  of  his  hearers  ; 
since  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  the  principal 
means  appointed  by  God,  for  the  salvation  of  the 
righteous,  and  the  conversion  of  the  wicked,  is, 
in  his  mouth,  inefficacious  to  those  to  whom  it  is 
delivered. 

But  this  is  only  the  beginning  of  evil  ;  as  the  ex- 
ample of  such  a  Pastor,  becomes,  in  the  language 
of  the  prophet,  **  a  snare  of  a  fowler,  in  all  his 
'*  ways,  and  hatred  in  the  house  of  his  God." 
Not  only  is  he  an  unprofitable  labourer  in  the 
Lord's  vineyard,  but  he  destroys,  he  lays  it  waste, 
he  makes  it  an  habitation  of  devils.  What  im- 
pression must  the  life  of  an  unholy  Pastor,  which 
they  have  continually  before  their  eyes,  be  expect- 
ed to  make  on  an  illiterate  and  simple  people  ? 
Can  you  suppose,  that  a  parish j  composed  of 
such  a  description  of  men,  can  be  actuated  by  a 
vital  principle  of  Religion  ;  when  the  very  man,  to 
whose  protection  are  committed  the  interests  of 
virtue,  and  the  support  of  piety,  becomes,  by  his 
example,  an  instrument  of  seduction,  and  a  pat- 
tern  of  vice?     Ignorance   and  corruption,    even 


138 


under  circumstances  the  most  favourable  to  Reli- 
gion and  morality,  extenuate,  in  their  minds,  their 
disorderly  life  ;  and  a  faithful  Pastor  every  day 
sees  his  solicitude,  his  instructions,  his  example, 
all  insufficient  to  remove  the  veil  from  such  un- 
happy prejudices  ;  what,  then,  can  be  the  remedy, 
when  a  worthless  Minister  confirms  them,  by  his 
conduct.  Men  expect  from  him,  temperance, 
charity,  and  piety :  they  consider  him,  from  his 
office,  incapable  of  beholding  the  vices  opposed  to 
these  virtues  :  what  an  agreeable  surprize,  then, 
to  see  him,  not  only  quietly  observe,  but  publicly 
approve,  by  the  banctiua  of  his  morals,  those  irre- 
gularities !  what  vestiges  of  Religion  and  piety, 
can  there  remain,  among  the  souls  entrusted  to  his 
care  !  They  are  all  persuaded  that  they  may,  with- 
out danger,  follow,  a  guide,  who  knows  so  much 
more  than  themselves,  and  w^ho  is  so  much  better 
instructed  in  what  Religion  allows,  and  what  it  for- 
bids ;  all  remorse  of  conscience  subsides,  and 
yields  to  this  delusion.  This  profligate  Pastor 
becomes  a  living,  and  constant,  apology,  for  vice  ; 
and  if  the  corruption  of  nature  is  such,  that  a  faith- 
ful and  good  Minister,  combating  it  perpetually, 
in  the  midst  of  his  people,  is  not  able  to  arrest  its 
course,  what  an  inundation  of  depravity  will  not  be 
let  loose,  throughout  a  parish,  by  the  example  of 
one,  neither  restrained  by  moral  principle,  nor  pro- 
fessional decorum  ? 

If  our  parishoners  often  misinterpret  our  most 
innocent   actions  ;    if,  as  the  Apostle  directs,   we 


139 

often  see  it  expedient,  that  we  may  not  give  of- 
fence, to  abstain  from  things  the  most  indifferent  in 
their  nature,  and  forbidden  by  no  law,  divine  or 
human  ;  how  will  they  be  astonished,  with  what 
indignation  will  they  not  be  moved,  by  the  drunken- 
ness and  intemperance,  by  the  sordid  avarice,  or 
notorious  profligacy,  of  a  Minister  of  the  gospel  ? 
If  ignorant  masreprcsentation,  if  unfounded  suspi- 
cions, defeat  the  efficacy  of  our  public  instructions, 
what  good  can  be  produced  by  the  holy  word,  in 
the  mouth  of  a  profligate  teacher  ?  It  appears  con- 
temptible ;  it  loses,  not  only  its  power,  but  its 
truth  is  called  in  question  :  Religion,  in  all  its 
parts,  is  considered  only  of  human  invention,  insti- 
tuted as  a  source  of  profit,  and  a  fountain  ofhonor^ 
for  those,  who  are  no  further  observant  of  its  pre- 
cepts, than  it  is  congenial  to  their  inclination,  and 
conducive  to  their  interest. 

These  blasphemies  fill  you  with  horror  ;  but  we 
are  they  who  occasion  them,  when  the  purity  of  our 
morals  does  not  correspond  to  that  of  our  character. 
Through  us  it  is,  that  "  the  name  of  God  is  blas- 
' ',  phemed. ' '  The  most  hardened  siiltiers  pretend  to 
no  other  safety,  in  that  deplorable  state,  and  offer 
no  other  apology  for  their  vices,  than  the  example 
of  a  worthless  Minister.  Many,  perhaps,  of  the 
unhappy  souls  who  have  gone  before  us,  and  who, 
in  their  place  of  torment,  are  separated  from  God, 
to  all  eternity,  owe  their  misery  to  the  pernicious 
examples  of  the  clergy,  among  whom  they  have 
lived  :  some,  perhaps,  I  speak  it  weeping,  may  go 


140 

into  that  region  of  horror,  misled  by  our  licentious 
principles,  and  corrupted  by  our  scandalous  immo- 
ralities. 

So  peculiar  is  the  situation  of  a  Minister  of  the 
gospel,  that  if  his  character  doth  not  promote  the 
interests  of  religion,  it  is  injurious  to  them;  if  he 
does  not  recommendpiety,  by  his  whole  deportment, 
he  introduces,  he  authorises,  he  encourages,  vice. 
The  ministry,  notwithstanding,  which  commits  to  us 
the  care  of  souls,  seems,  not  to  be  generally  consi- 
dered as  an  awful  and  solemn  engagement ;  men 
wish  for  it,  they  solicit  it,  they  are  happy  when  they 
have  obtained  it,  and  they  have,  sometimes,  re- 
course to  means,  in  order  to  obtain  it,  which  pro- 
priety cannot  countenance,  and  religion  must  con- 
demn. '*  He  that  is  not  called,  and  that  entereth 
"  not  by  the  door,  into  the  sheep-fold,  but  climbeth 
''  up  some  other  way,  the  same  is  a  thief  and  a  rob- 
"  ber."  Now  one  certain  sign  of  our  being  called 
to  the  ministry,  is  an  holy  dread  of  sinking  under 
the  weight  which  it  imposes.  Alas  !  we  consider  it 
merely  as  abounding  with  temporal  advantages,  and 
we  are  eager  in  our  pursuit  of  them,  not  that  we 
may  possess  the  opportunity  of  being  the  instrument 
of  salvation  to  men,  but  that  we  may  obtain  riches, 
and  enjoy  ease  :  we  do  not  trouble  ourselves  with  the 
eagagements  we  enter  into,  and  the  obligations  we 
contract,  towards  the  souls  the  Church  hath  commit- 
ted to  our  care  ;  whereas,  if  only  one  perish,  he  who 
redeemed  them,  will  require  of  us  a  severe  account , 
and  it  will  be  incumbent  on  us  to  shew,  that  the 
unhappy  wretch  was  neither  influenced  by  our  so- 


141 


Jicitude,  nor  instructions,  neither  by  our  example, 
nor  our  prayers,  or  that  he  otherwise  would  not 
have  perished  :  we  hold  the  place  of  Jesus  Christ, 
in  the  midst  of  this  flock  :  and  can  we  say  to  him. 
as  he  said  to  his  Father — '*  of  all  those  committed 
'*  to  my  care  I  have  not  lost  one." 

Suffer  me,  in  conclusion,  to  address  to  you  the 
words  of  the  Apostle — Seeing,  my  Reverend  Breth- 
ren, things  are  so,  and  seeing  that  your  examples 
are  to  be  one  great  criterion  whereby  to  judge,  not 
only  of  the  state  of  your  own  souls,  but  also  of  the 
salvation  of  the  souls  committed  to  your  charge, 
be  steadfast  and  immoveable ;  you,  especially, 
who  discharge,  with  credit  to  yourselves,  and  edi- 
fication to  your  respective  flocks,  the  several  du- 
ties of  your  ministry  ; — let  not  the  examples  of  ne- 
gligence, and  of  conduct,  little  correspondent  to 
the  sacred  profession,  of  some  of  your  brethren, 
occasion  in  you  the  smallest  abatement  of  zeal, 
in  the  faithful  and  diligent  performance  of  those  en- 
gagements, which  may  promote  the  salvation, 
or  involve  the  ruin,  of  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  : 
let  not  the  abuses,  authorized  by  too  many,  ever 
prevail  over  you,  in  opposition  to  the  precepts 
which  condemn  them :  let  not  the  indolence,  the 
inattention,  the  attachment,  to  the  perishable  things 
of  this  life,  which  seem  to  pervade  not  a  small  part 
of  the  ministry,  cause  you  to  forget  the  holiness 
of  your  calling,  but  rather  fix,  immoveable,  your 
minds  upon  it.  Far  from  looking  around  you, 
where  you  sometimes  see,  in  your  brethroti,  sub- 

R 


14^ 

jccts  of  grief  and  lamentation,  place,  alwa3's,  be- 
fore your  eyes,  the  Ministers  who  first  preached 
the  Gospel  of  Christ ;  those  ancient  and  venerable 
examples,  to  whose  zeal,  diligence,  and  virtue, 
we  dare  not  hope  to  attain.  Never  consider  your 
ministry,  at  any  period  of  it,  as  a  situation  of  ho- 
norable repose:  think  not  of  appropriating  any 
time  to  yourself,  if  you  can  by  a  different  applica- 
tion of  it,  preserve  only  one  soul  from  perdition  : 
content  not  yourselves  with  going  through  your 
public  and  ordinary  duties,  after  which,  we  are 
ready  to  persude  ourselves,  that  we  are  discharged 
from  every  other :  so  long  as  you  shall  see  among 
your  flock,  abuses  to  correct,  sinners  to  reclaim, 
or  weak  Christians  to  support,  consider  not  your 
obligations  fulfilled :  let  zeal  and  charity  mspire 
you  with  a  soHcitude,  which  the  letter  of  the  Ca- 
nons of  the  Church  doth  not  seem  to  impose, 
but  which  the  spirit  of  them  rigorously  exacts : 
measure  your  pastoral  exertions,  not  by  stipulated 
rules,  or  by  the  decay  of  your  constitution,  but  by 
the  wants  of  your  parishioners.  Let  not  age  itself, 
let  not  the  long,  and  active,  discharge  of  your  mi- 
nisterial avocations,. in  which  you  may  have  grown 
old,  suggest  to  you  a  legitimate  reason  for  ceasing 
from  the  combat,  and  of,  at  length,  enjoying  the 
repose,  to  wdiich,  after  so  many  years  of  labour, 
in  reclaiming  men  from  vice,  and  encouraging  them 
in  virtue,  you  may  seem  to  be  entitled  :  rather  let 
your  youth  be  renewed,  lik6  the  eagle  ;  zeal  may 
supply  powers  which  nature  may,  in  appearance,  re- 
fuse ;  these  precious  remains  of  decay,  are  honora- 


143 


ble  to  the  ministry :  be  the  Eleazar  of  the  new  cov- 
enant ;  and  let  not  old  age  become  a  motive  to  any 
indulgences,  which  may  not  be  strictly  consistent, 
at  the  close  of  a  life,  dedicated  to  the  discharge  of 
the  pastoral  obligations.  Continue  to  abound  in 
the  work  of  the  Lord. 

The  nearer  you  approach  to  the  close  of  your 
ministerial  labours,  the  more  ought  your  zeal  to 
be  invigorated.  How  lamentable  will  it  be,  if,  at 
that  period,  you  are  wanting  in  courage  and  reso- 
lution ;  and  if,  by  a  premature  repose,  you  forfeit 
the  reward  of  an  entire  life  of  exemplary  diligence, 
passed  in  the  blessed  employment  of  rescuing  souls 
from  Satan,  and  of  presenting  them  acceptable  un- 
to God ! 


CHARGE  IX. 

ON  THE  EXCELLENCE  OF  THE  MINISTRY. 


Th9u  that  makest  thy  boast  of  Gody  and  know  est 
his  will,  and  approvest  the  things  that  are  more 
excellent,  being  instructed  out  of  the  law  ;  and 
art  confident,  that  thou  thyself  art  a  guide  of  the 
blind,  a  light  of  them  which  are  in  darkness,  an 
instructor  of  the  foolish,  a  teacher  of  babes,  which 
hast  the  form  of  knowledge,  and  of  the  truth  in 
the  law.  Thou,  therefore,  which  teachest  ano- 
ther, teachest  thou  not  thyself  F^^ 


145 


CHARGE  IX. 
ON  THE  EXCELLENCE  OF  THE  MINISTRY 


YOU  expect  from  me,  no  doubt,  my  Brethren, 
some  word  of  instruction  and  consolation  :  I  will, 
however,  satisfy  myself  with  beseeching  you  to 
meditate  frequently  on  the  following  awful  passage 
of  the  Apostlew  To  the  faithful  Pastors,  it  will 
administer  comfort ;  to  the  careless  and  negligent, 
it  will  be  a  source  of  confusion. 

"  Thou  that  maketh  thy  boast  of  God,  and 
"  knowest  his  will,  and  approvest  the  things  that 
"  are  more  excellent,  being  instructed  out  of  the 
^'  law  ;  and  art  confident,  that  thou  thyself  art  a 
'*  guide  of  the  blind,  a  light  of  them  which  are  in 
"  darkness,  an  instructor  of  the  foolish,  a  teacher 
"  of  babes,  which  hast  the  form  of  knowledge,  and 
"  of  the  truth  in  the  law.  Thou,  therefore,  which 
*'  teachest  another,  teachest  thou  not  thyself?" 

"  Thou  that  make st  thy  boast  of  God."— We, 
then,  whose  highest  honour  it  is  to  be  the  Ministers 
of  God  ;  we,  who  owe  to  Religion  the  distinction 
which  society  has  conferred  upon  us,  let  us  not 
weaken,  by  our  morals,  the  reverence  due  to  our 
holy  office  ;  let  us  not  accustom  the  world  to  sepa- 
rate our  private  conduct  from  our  professional  cha- 
racter.    Let  us  honour,  in  our  persons,  the  priest- 


■^' 


146 


hood,  if  we  desire  that  it  should  reflect  honour 
upon  us  :  we  are,  it  is  true,  to  be  '*  clothed'* 
w^ith  respect — but  piety,  alone,  can  render  us  res- 
pectable ;  and  so  long  as  men  shall  not  perceive  it 
to  be  the  predominating  principle  in  our  behaviour, 
their  contempt  will  encrease,  in  proportion  to  the 
reverence  which  they  conceived  to  be  attached  to 
our  profession  :  and  what  ought  to  attract  their 
regard  and  esteem,  will  serve  only  to  heighten  our 
shame,  and  aggravate  our  reproach.  The  world 
neither  does,  nor  can,  know  any  thing  more  con- 
temptible, than  an  unprincipled  Pastor. 

"  And  knowest  his  will,  and  approvest  the  things 
'^  that  are  more  excellent,  being  instructed  out 
*'  of  the  law." — We,  who  have,  from  our  infancy, 
been  nurtured  by  the  sacred  truths  of  the  Gospel 
— we,  who  have,  from  our  Earliest  years,  been 
blessed  with  a  religious  education — how  shall  we 
answer  to  God,  if  our  morals  have  not  been  corres- 
pondent to  our  information  ;  if,  with  more  know- 
ledge than  the  people  we  are  to  direct,  we  are,  per- 
haps, less  religious,  less  charitable,  less  disinterest- 
ed, less  temperate  than  themselves  ?  A  single  truth, 
proposed  to  an  ingenuous  man,  often  opens  his 
eyes,  informs  his  understanding,  and  affects  his 
heart ;  and  shall  we,  who  declare  these  truths,  con- 
tinue in  our  lethargy,  and  our  want  of  sensibility  ? 
Our  blindness  seems  to  encrease,  in  the  midst  of 
encreasing  light  that  surrounds  us  ;  and  whilst  we 
are  bearing  the  torch,  which  shews  the  path,  we 
wander  from  it  ourselves,  and  perish  in  the  very 
act  of  saving  others. 


147 

«'  And  approvest  the  things  that  are  more  excels 
**  lent,  bemg  instructed  out  of  the  law." — We, 
who  know  the  height  to  which  we  are  to  aspire, 
and  the  advances  we  are  expected  to  make,  under 
the  blessings  of  the  gospel,  the  vices  we  are  to 
renounce,  and  the  virtues  we  are  to  practise,  we 
are  more  attached  to  the  earth,  to  sordid  interests, 
more  the  slaves  of  sense  ;  we  live  less  by  faith, 
than  those  ignorant  men,  who  scarce  distinguish 
good  from  evil  ;  but  in  whom  a  love  of  religion, 
and  a  fear  of  God,  supply  the  absence  of  know- 
ledge, and  the  defect  of  instruction.  Ignorance, 
indeed,  oftens  lead  them  to  superstition  ;  but  this 
very  superstition  is  no  other  than  an  excess  of  re- 
ligion :  their  simplicity  will  plead  before  God,  in 
excuse  for  their  weakness  :  they  carry  religion  too 
far,  because  their  minds  are  not  sufficiently  en- 
lightened with  knowledge ;  whereas  we,  although 
instructed  in  the  word  and  doctrine,  discharge  im- 
perfectly our  several  duties  ;  enforced  as  they  are, 
upon  our  consciences,  by  the  conviction,  that  God 
will  demand  them  of  us,  in  proportion  to  the  light 
we  have,  and  the  opportunities  we  possess. 

*'  And  art  confident,  that  thou  thyself  art  a  guide 
''  of  the  blind,  a  light  of  them  that  are  in  dark- 
ness."— That  is  to  say,  what  encreases  our  confi- 
dence, ought  to  become  the  continual  motive  of  our 
most  reasonable  apprehensions.  We  are  the  light 
of  the  blind — but  do  we  guide,  do  we  enlighten 
them  ?  Does  it  appear,  in  the  conduct  of  the  people 
committed  to  our  care,  that  they  have  a  leader  and 


148 

a  guide  ?  Are  they  not  as  sheep  without  a  shep- 
herd ?  Do  we  instruct  them  ?  Do  our  examples 
support  our  instructions?  Are  we  not  bUnd  leaders 
of  the  blind  ?  And  will  not  both  fall  into  the  same 
ditcTi,  either  by  the  carelesness  with  which  our 
instructions  are  impressed  on  them,  or  by  the 
degeneracy  which  we  exhibit  to  them  ?  We  are 
the  light  of  them  that  walk  in  darkness  ;  but  prayer 
and  study  are  the  means  which  render  us  the  light 
of  men  :  prayer  is  the  science  of  the  heart ;  study 
that  of  the  mind  ;  the  one  derives  its  utility  from 
the  other.  Now,  hqw  associate  the  habit,  and  the 
consequent  delight,  of  prayer,  with  the  dissipated 
life  which  many  lead  ?  Our  preparatory  years  are 
devoted  to  study  ;  the  priesthood  obtained,  books 
disappear,  and  study  is  neglected  :  the  moment 
that  some  men  are  ordained  to  the  pastoral  office, 
which  supposes  them  capable  of  instructing  man- 
kind, they  cease  to  acquire  knowledge ;  and  often, 
when  they  are  so  situated,  as  to  have  no  occasion 
to  exercise  it,  they  forget  what  they  had  previously 
acquired. 

"  An  instructor  of  the  foolish." — The  Sacred 
Writings  style  those  men  fools,  who  "•  set  their  affec- 
*'  tions  Qji  things  of  the  earth,  and  not  on  things 
"  above."  It  is,  then,  peculiarly  incumbent  on  us  to 
teach  men,  that  the  fear  of  God  is  the  only  true 
wisdom,  that  every  thing  besides,  is  "  vanity  and 
*'  vexation  of  spirit ;"  that,  to  devote  reason,  pru- 
dence, judgment,  diligence,  understanding,  mere- 
ly to  obtain  the  perishable  things  of  this  life,  and 
to  build  here,   upon  the  sand,   an  abiding   city, 


149 

without  thinking  of  that  which  is  prepared  for 
us  in  heaven,  is  no  other  than  the  prudence  of 
fools,  and  the  grossest  of  follies.  Notwithstanding, 
far  from  undeceiving  them,  our  solicitude,  our 
anxiety  to  lay  up  treasures,  our  views  confined 
solely  to  the  earth,  our  low  and  sordid  avarice — do 
they  not  confirm  mankind  in  this  deplorable  error  ? 
The  avarice  of  the  Clergy  has  become  so  common, 
that  it  has  almost  passed  into  a  proverb  :  it  is  a 
reproach,  however  undeservedly,  cast  upon  the 
whole  order** 

"  A  teacher  of  babes."  The  innocence  of  chil- 
dren is  entrusted  to  us  ;  their  faith  and  their  Reli- 
gion, as  an  holy  treasure,  which  God  hath  commit- 
ted to  our  care  :  they  derive  from  us  the  title  which 
makes  them  Christians! ;  it  is  our  duty  then  to 
teach  them  to  what  this  high  title  engages  them ; 
to  cultivate  those  young  plants,  which  we  ourselves 

*  This  reflection  cannot  be  applied  to  the  Clergy  of  the 
Church  of  England,  who  are,  very  many  of  them,  the  most 
humane  and  charitable  of  men. 

t  "  Besides  oiir  general  Instructions,  it  is  very  needful,  that 
we  give  the  Youth  under  our  Care,  in  particular,  an  early 
Knowledge  of  our  Religion,  that  may  abide  with  them ;  and 
stand  the  Trials  to  which  their  riper  Years  v/ill  of  course  be 
exposed.  I  hope  you  are  diligent  in  that  most  useful  work  of 
Catechizing :  and  have  done  your  utmost  to  prepare  for  Con- 
firmation, those  whom  you  present  to  me.  And  I  earnestly 
recommend  it  to  you,  that  the  good  Impressions,  which  may 
well  be  supposed  to  be  made  upon  their  Minds  at  this  Season, 
^e  not  suffered  to  wear  off  again  j  but  be  improved  into  settled 
Habits  of  Religion  and  Virtue,  by  still  farther  Exhortations, 
and  leading  theni  as  soon  as  pogsjible  to  the  Holy  Communion/' 
— Abp.  Secker.  S 


150 

^ave  planted  in  the  Lord's  vineyard.  You  have 
given  them  a  Christian  birth-right,  by  baptism  ; 
but  immediately  forsaking  them,  they  become  like 
those  children  who  are,  by  the  inhumanity  of  their 
parents,  exposed,  and  live,  and  die,  alas  !  ignorant 
of  their  titles,  of  their  origin,  that  "  they  are  heirs 
^' of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ;"  the  pro- 
fligacy of  their  life  is  generally  correspondent  to 
their  neglected  situation.  Can  you  have  them  con- 
tinually under  your  eyes,  and  not  reproach  your 
insensibility  towards  those  innocent  victims,  who 
have,  it  should  seem,  received  at  your  hands  the 
sacrament  of  regeneration,  merely  for  the  purpose 
of  depriving  them,  as  far  as  in  your  power,  of  its 
efficacy,  and  of  stifling  them^  if  I  may  be  allowed 
the  expression,  in  the  cradle,  by  not  supporting 
them  with  the  milk  of  the  doctrine  of  the  Gospel  ? 
You  are  shocked  at  the  barbarity  of  a  mother,  who, 
after  having  given  life  to  a  child,  exposes  and 
abandons  it ;  but  is  not  this  a  natural  image  of  the 
hard-heartedness  of  a  Pastor,  who,  after  having 
given  the  life  of  faith  to  his  children,  exposes, 
abandons  them,  and  delivers  them  to  a  total  igno- 
rance of  the  faith  they  have  received,  infinitely 
more  pernicious,  than  the  evils  of  hunger,  and 
the  calamities  of  indigence.  They  will,  it  is  true, 
carry  into  the  presence  of  God,  the  high  and  una- 
vailing title  of  Christianity  ;  but  it  will  be  a  title 
of  condemnation  to  you,  rather  than  to  them  ;  it 
will  rise  up  in  judgment  against  you  :  you  will 
have  made  Christians,  without  Religion,  and  with- 
out a  knowledge  of  its  Blessed  Author  :  how  then 


151 


shall  you  ever  be  able  to  repair,  as  far  as  they  are 
concerned,  the  fault  you  have  committed  against 
them  ?  How  shall  you  be  able  to  raise  an  edifice, 
when  you  have  laid  no  other  foundation,  than  in 
dreadful  ruins  ? 

But  what  is  the  most  lamentable  is,  that  you 
involve  your  successors  in  the  same  shame  ;  you 
leave,  after  your  departure,  a  curse  in  the  midst 
of  you  parishes,  to  which  the  zeal  of  the  most 
faithful  Ministers  can  scarce  apply  a  remedy. 
Fpr  what  advantage  can  be  derived  from  the  minis- 
try of  the  most  vigilant  Pastor,  after  your  decease 
in  a  parish  in  which  he  will  find  no  knowledge  of 
Religion  ;*  where  he  must  have  recourse  to  the 
first  instructions  of  childhood,  in  order  to  inform 
the  minds  of  them  that  arrived  at  years  of  ma- 
turity ?  Shame  alone,  at  becoming  children,  will 
always  impose  an  invincible  obstacle  to  the  soli- 

*  It  is  not  improbable,  that  the  extreme  ignorance  of  Chris- 
tianity, which  generally  pervades  our  parishes,  arises  from  the 
little  instructions  given  to  children  in  their  early  days.  How 
greatly  is  it  to  be  wished  that,  not  only  in  Lent,  but  at  other 
seasons  of  the  year,  the  children  in  every  parish  were  taught 
the  Church  Catechism  ;  and  that  familiar  lectures  were  given 
upon  the  several  parts  of  it !  The  observation  of  Massillon, 
is  strikingly  just— .that  little  good  can  be  done  by  the  most 
zealous  Minister,  through  the  negligence  of  his  predecessors, 
in  not  having  taught  the  children  the  elements  of  Christianity. 
May  I  presume,  without  offence,  to  recommend  it  to  the 
Clergy,  individually,  to  give,  where  it  is  practicable,  to -every 
family  in  their  several  parishes,  that  most  useful  of  all  tracts.. 
the  Church  Catechism,  broke  into  short  questions  ? 


152 


citude  of  the  most  diligent  Pastor,  who  must,-  as 
the  Apostle  observes,  ''  feed  them  with  milk,"  in- 
stead of  a  more  solid  nourishment :  they  will  die 
in  ignorance  of  Jesus  Christ,  who  has  redeemed 
them  ;  of  the  church,  which  has  regenerated  them ; 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  who  has  sanctified  them  ; 
and  from  the  bosom  of  Christianity,  and  from  the 
midst  of  the  light  of  the  Gospel,  will  proceed  many 
souls,  like  those  w^ho  shall  come  from  unbelieving 
countries,^  and  who  shall  appear  before  God  in 
all  the  darkness  and  ignorance  of  paganism  and 
idolatry. 

Remember  then,  my  brethren,  that  children  are 
the  purest  part  of  your  flock,  and  consequently,  that 
w^hich  you  ought  to  esteem  most,  and  which  has  the 
highest  claim  on  your  affections  ;  the  instruction  of 
children  is  the  most  consolatory,  and  the  most  ho- 
norable, part  of  our  ministry.  Let  us, in  those  young 
and  innocent  souls,  shew  respect  to  that  precious 
treasure  of  the  grace  attendant  upon  baptism, 
which  they  still  preserve,  and  which  we  all  have  lost. 
Let  us  look  upon  them  as  holy  temples,  where  the 
glory  and  majesty  of  God  reside,  which  the  breath 
of  Satan  hath  not  yet  sullied :  let  us  enter  into 
these  views  of  faith ;  and  the  diligence  which  their 
tender  age  demands  from  us,  far  from  appearing 
low  and  contemptible,  will  appear  worthy  of  the 
whole  sublimity  of  our  ministry.  I  will  not  carry 
this  reflection  farther  :  my  design,  in  what  I  have 
already  said,  is  rather  to  stimulate  your  fidelity, 
than  reproach  your  negligence. 


153 


Hear  the  conclusion  of  the  Apostle,  it  concerns 
us  all;  and  let  us  never  lose  sight  of  truths  which 
so  nearly  affect  us. 

*'  Thou  that  teachest  another,  teachest  thou  not 
"  thyself  ?" — You,  then,  whose  duty  it  is  to  in- 
struct others,  and  to  shew  them  the  way  of  salva- 
tion, begin,  by  first  shewing  it  to,  and  then  walk- 
ing in  it,  yourself.  What  fruit  can  you  hope  from 
your  instructions,  if  you,  every  day,  contradict 
them  by  your  examples  ?  Your  morals  are,  in  the 
estimation  of  your  hearers,  more  powerful  and 
persuasive,  than  your  discourses;  they  cry  conti- 
nually, to  them  that  hear  you — disregard  what  we 
say,  observe  only  what  we  do. 

*'  That  the  Name  of  God  be  not  blasphemed." 
— Here  it  is  that  the  Apostle  finishes  this  instruc- 
tion. Yes,  my  Brethren,  we  are  compelled  to  ask 
the  question — If  faith  be  almost  extinct  among 
Christians;  if,  at  this  day,  there  are  many  licen- 
tious spirits,  who  treat  with  an  air  of  derision  and 
of  plasphemy,  what  we  hold  sacred  :  if  there  are 
many  who  consider  Religion  as  a  matter  of  indif- 
ference ;  is  it  not  the  little  piety,  charity,  regula- 
rity, which  they  observe  in  our  conduct — is  it  not 
the  idle  and  worldly  life  of  the  Clergy,  which  has 
led  them  to  such  unwarrantable  lengths  : — Has  not 
''  desolation  begun  in  the  holy  place?" 

It  is  our  example  alone,  which  effaces  from  the 
hearts  of  Christians,  what  still  remains  of  the  fear 


154 


of  God  :  the  effects  of  our  passions  are  brought 
forward,  m  order  to  justify  the  same  in  themselves : 
our  example  calms  their  remorse,  and  leads  them 
to  place  in  morals,  resembling  ours,  a  security 
which  their  consciences  would  have  refused  them  : 
they  think,  there  can  be  nothing  serious  in  the 
duties  of  Religion,  which  its  Ministers  themselves 
learn  to  despise;  and  that  vice  or  virtue  are  only 
names,  which  are  given  more  by  custom  and  habit, 
than  with  propriety  and  truth. 

Think  not,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  that  these 
reflections  extend  only  to  profligate  Pastors — I 
have  the  confidence  to  believe,  that  there  is  not 
one  such  who  now  hears  me  ;  they  extend  to  all 
who  lead  a  careless  life,  who  may  not,  perhaps, 
suffer  great  vices  to  appear  in  their  conduct,  but 
who  do  not  shew  their  people  any  virtue  ;  whose 
morals  have  in  them  nothing  notorious,  but  like- 
wise, nothing  which  inspires  piety  ;  nothing  which 
gives  off'ence,  but  likewise  nothing  which  edifies  : 
they  are  like  the  generality  of  men  ;  they  love 
pleasure,  voluptuousness,  dissipation, — they  dis- 
like prayer,  study,  reflection:  they  seek  society 
in  the  world,  to  divert  them  from  their  duties : 
complaints  are  not  made  to  us  of  their  conduct ; 
but  they  have  no  evidence  of  the  good  which  they 
do  in  their  several  parishes. 

Now,  if  a  Pastor  does  not  edify,  he  gives  of- 
fence ;  if  he  discover  nothing  in  himself,  in  his 
conversation,  in  his  disposition,  in  his  behaviour, 


155 


in  the  whole  tenor  of  his  conduct,  which  excites 
to  virtue,  he  tacitly,  at  least,  encourages  vice  :  in 
a  word,  if  he  is  not  more  holy  than  his  people,  he 
dishonours  his  ministry.  May  these  interesting 
reflections,  my  Brethren,  call  us  often  within  our- 
selves ;  let  us  frequently,  and  seriously,  consider, 
that  it  is  not  any  extreme  degree  of  guilt,  which 
brings  eternal  ruin  on  our  heads ;  and  that  there 
are  more  who  shall  be  condemned,  for  not  having 
done  good  in  their  Churches,  than  for  having  com- 
mitted the  most  heinous  sins.  The  barren  and 
the  dead  tree  are  struck  with  the  same  curse  :  the 
Gospel  condemns  to  the  same  darkness,  and  the 
same  torments,  the  careless,  and  the  unfaithful, 
servant. 


CHARGE  X. 

ON  THE  MANNER  IN  WHICH  THE  CLERGY  ARE 
TO  CONDUCT  THEMSELVES  AMONG  MEN  OF 
THE  WORLD. 


Having  your  conversation  honest  among  the  Gentiles;: 
that  whereas  they  speak  against  you  as  evil-doers, 
they  may,  by  your  good  works,  which  they  shall 
behold,  glorify  God  in  the  day  of  visitation. 


157 


CHARGE  X. 

ON  THE  MANNER  IN  WHICH  THE  CLERGY  ARE 
TO  CONDUCT  THEMSELVES  AMONG  MEN  OF 
THE  WORLD. 


NOTHING  appearing  to  me  of  greater  conse- 
quence, in  order  to  support  the  dignity  of  the 
priesthood,  than  the  manner  in  which  we  conduct 
ourselves  in  society,  I  will  beg  your  attention  to 
the  following  reflections  ;  which,  as  they  are  af- 
fectionately offered,  so  they  will,  I  trust,  be  wil- 
lingly received. 

Intended,  as  we  are,  to  be  the  salt  of  the  earth, 
we  must,  necessarily,  mingle  with  it  ;  we  form 
but  one  body  with  the  men  that  inhabit  it ;  and 
instead  of  seeking  at  a  distance,  a  retreat  from 
their  vices,  we  should,  as  far  as  lies  in  our  power, 
preserve  them  from  plunging  into  any,  which 
might  be  either  dangerous  to  their  souls,  or  de- 
structive of  their  peace.  But,  instead  of  stemming 
the  torrent  of  wickedness,  which  inundates  the 
world,  we  ourselves  are,  sometimes,  carried  away 
by  its  force.  In  order,  then,  to  avoid  the  evil  to 
which  we  are  often  exposed,  we  have  only  to  lay 
down  the  rules  of  prudence,  and  the  obligations  of 
Religion,  to  which  we  are  to  conform ;  whereas, 


158 

the  contempt  of  them  may  subject  us  to  danger, 
and  involve  us  in  dilemmas,  out  of  which  we  can- 
not easily  get  extricated. 

The  first  rule  relates  to  the  choice  of  the  per- 
sons with  whom  you  associate.  For,  if  the  world 
sees  you  out  of  your  sphere,  at  riotous  meetings, 
or  with  profligate  companions*,  will  it  suppose 
you  innocent  in  your  mind,  and  exemplary  in  your 
morals  ?  Is  it  allowable,  in  a  Clergyman,  whose 
reputation  is  so  precious  to  the  Church,  and  so 
valuable  to  himself — since  the  whole  success  of 
his  ministry  depends  upon  it — to  addict  himself  to 
a  sort  of  life,  which  excites  suspicion  of  his  princi- 
ples, and  causes  doubts  of  his  innocence  ?  He  may 
declare,  indeed,  that  the  secret  murmurs,  and  pub- 
lic clamours,  with  Avhich  he  is  reproached,  are 
suggested  by  the  malevolence,  and  encouraged  by 
the  envy,  of  his  enemies.  But  though  he  should 
be  merely  imprudent,  by  giving  rise  to  suspicions, 
Vvould  he  be  excusable,  in  not  taking  immediate 
precautions  to  remove  them  ?  It  is  not,  however, 
sufficient  for  a  Clergyman  to  be  free  from  im- 
propriety of  conduct,  he  must  also  avoid  the  ap- 

*  "  Still  I  do  not  mean  that  we  should  be  sour  and  morose : 
condemn  innocent  Relaxations,  and  provoke  Men  to  say,  that 
we  rail  out  of  Envy,  at  what  we  have  absurdly  tied  up  ourselves 
from  partaking  of :  but  express  our  Dislike  of  them  as  mildly 
iis  the  Case  will  bear ;  slight  with  good  Humour  the  Indulgen- 
ces, in  which  others  falsely  place  their  Happiness  ;  and  con- 
vince them  by  our  Experience  as  well  as  Reasoning,  how  very 
comfortably  they  may  live  without  them." — Abp.  Secker. 


159 


pearance  of  it.  He  must  not  sacrifice  public  opi- 
nion, which  is  so  essential  to  the  character  of  a  Pas- 
tor, and  to  the  honour  of  the  Church,  to  a  love  of 
unjustifiable  amusements,  or  an  attachment  to  im- 
proper company. 

It  may  be  said,  are  we  to  withdraw  from  the 
society  which  is  the  most  pleasing  to  us,  from 
the  friendships  we  have  contracted,  because  some 
persons  may,  without  cause,  represent  them  to 
our  disadvantage  ?  A  prepossession  unfavorable 
to  a  Clergyman  ought  not  to  be  entertained.  "  If 
**  eating  meat,"  says  the  Apostle,  ^'  offends,  I  w^ill 
"  eat  no  meat  whilst  the  world  standeth."  Let 
him  shut  the  mouth  of  calumny,  let  him  respect 
hiso^^n  character,  and  it  will  obtain  respect,  even 
from  those,  who,  otherwise,  will  have  great  delight 
in  misrepresenting  it  through  meanness,  and  wound- 
ing it  through  malignity.  He  may  prevent  misre- 
presentation, by  taking  away  occasion  from  those 
that  seek  occasion. 

Alas  !  my  brethren,  what  afflictions  have  been 
brought  on  the  Church,  not  merely  by  the  miscon- 
duct, but  by  the  suspicions,  to  which  the  want  of 
caution  in  the  Clergy,  has  given  rise  !  with  what  hu- 
miliating contempt  have  they  not  loaded  the  sacred 
ministry  !  and  what  occasion  have  they  not  given  to 
mien,  to  blaspheme  the  name  of  God,  and  to  attri- 
bute  to  religion,  the  failings  of  its  Ministers  !  But 
let  us  throw  a  veil  over  these  reflections  ;  let  us 
not  renew  our  grief  in  the  presence  of  holy  men  of 


160 

God,  who  demonstrate  the  truth  of  Christianity, 
in  their  discourses,  and  who  enforce  its  efficacy,  by 
their  examples. 

By  consequence  of  the  same  rule,  all  inter- 
course with  those  who  declare,  openly,  in  favor  of 
vice,  and  set  virtue  at  defiance,  is  forbidden  us ; 
with  men,  whose  only  occupation  is  pleasure,  and 
whose  ridiculous  boast  is,  of  their  irregularity 
and  intemperance.  What  pretence  can  a  Clergy- 
man oiFer  for  being  seen  in  such  company  ?  If  he 
is  agreeable  to  them,  he  participates  of  their 
works  of  darkness  ;  if  he  gently,  and  not  without 
hesitation  and  timidity,  disapproves,  he  is  an  hy- 
pocrite, who  is  ashamed  of  himself,  and  not  of 
the  excess  of  which  he  is  a  witness.  What  re- 
proach to  the  Church,  and  what  disgrace  to  the 
profession,  that  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel  should  be 
a  member  of  an  assembly,  which  derives  all  its 
honour  from  its  licentiousness  and  intoxication  ; 
in  which  he  may  perhaps  be  reckoned  the  most 
distinguished,  and  may  arrive  at  such  an  height 
as  to  have  no  competitor ! 

You  will,  no  doubt,  reply,  that  all  meetings  are 
not  of  this  description  ;  that  we  find,  in  our  inter- 
course with  men,  many  of  improved  minds,  and  ir- 
reproachable morals,  with  whom  we  can  associate, 
without  endangering  religion,  or  exposing  ourselves 
to  any  risk  :  but  you  will  be  pleased  to  observe,  that 
in  the  society  of  the  world,  however  wise,  we  there 
breathe  the  air  of  the  world,  and  of  its   maxims  ;. 


161 

and  that  it,  insensibly,  takes  place  of  that  orderly 
and  correct  deportment,  which  the  dignity  of  the 
ministry  so  urgently  requires  :  I  repeat,  that  in  liv- 
ing in  the  world,  we  adopt  that  behaviour  which 
the  world  approves,  which  is  far  removed  from 
the  simplicity  of  the  Gospel ;  and  that  our  power- 
ful attachment  to  it  arises  from  a  conformity  of 
sentiments.  A  certain  proof,  that  the  inclinations 
of  the  world  are  congenial  with  your  own,  and 
that  you  are  not  in  your  proper  sphere,  unless 
you  are  celebrating  its  revels,  or  sacrificing  to  its 
follies. 

But  we  have,  you  say,  need  of  recreations,  and 
we  cannot  be,  always  devoted  to  serious  pursuits. 
Shall  a  Pastor  of  the  flock,  who  walks  by  faith,  seek 
recreations  in  the  midst  of  the  world  '^  And  wiiat 
will  he  find  there,  except  errors  and  abuses,  winch 
habit  sanctions,  but  which  religion  abhors ;  the 
Redeemer  himself  outraged  in  his  maxims,  ridicul- 
ed in  his  ordinances,  often  in  his  servants  ;  charity 
extinct  through  the  prevalence  of  hatred,  and  the 
jealousy  of  interest ;  conversation  perverted  by  the 
whispers  of  calumny,  and  the  insinuations  of  suspi- 
cion ;  God  either  provoked  or  forgotten ;  and  the 
whole  world  become  almost  as  dissolute,  as  much 
covered  with  darkness,  as  it  was  before  the  promul- 
gation of  the  gospel.  Such  is  the  world  !  and  can  a 
Minister  of  Christ  see  it,  as  it  is,  without  feeling 
the  utmost  concern  for  its  ignorance,  its  blindness, 
and  profligacy  ?  The  world  can  be  no  other  than  a 
vale  of  tears,  in  the  estimation   of  a   Minister  of 


162 


the  Gospel.  He  observes,  with  sorrow,  the  multi- 
tudes of  christians  who  are  perishing  ;  their  me- 
lancholy fate  he  makes  the  constant  subject  of  his 
lamentations  and  prayers  : — how,  then,  can  he 
rejoice  over  the  ruins  and  the  desolation  of  the 
holy  Jerusalem, — "  the  city  of  the  living  God?" 

What,  however,  is  the  most  unreasonable  is, 
that  the  Clergy,  who  plead  the  necessity  of  amuse < 
ments,  are,  ordinarily,  those  who  have  the  least 
need  of  them,  who  most  neglect  their  duty,  and 
the  employment  attached  to  their  vocation.  They 
are  indolent  Ministers,  enemies  of  study  and  of 
meditation,  and  unfaithful  to  their  calling ;  who 
loiter  away  their  time,  not  to  amuse,  but  to  fly 
from  themselves.  Their  life  consists  in  an  habitual 
indolence ;  we  see  in  them  nothing  serious,  not 
even  the  discharge  of  their  professional  obliga- 
tions, which  are  often  hurried  over  with  an  air 
of  fatigue,  of  reluctance,  and  of  indecency ;  what 
ought  to  be  their  consolation  is  their  trouble  ; 
they  hasten  into  the  world,  where  they  may  forget 
their  profession  and  themselves  together. 

A  second  rule,  no  less  essential  than  the  pre- 
ceding is,  that  our  communications  with  the 
world  be  rare;  corrupt  as  it  is,  it  demands  of 
us^  virtue  without  a  spot,  and  piety  without  a. 
blemish. 

The  more  indulgent  it  is  to  itself,  the  more  severe 
it  is  towards  us  ;  it  watches  us,  continually,  with  a 


16^ 


scrutinizing  and  malignant  eye  ;  an  unguarded  ex- 
pression, the  least  levity  of  behaviour,  becomes,  in 
its  judgment,'  an  unpardonable  crime  ;  and  when,  in 
order  to  discover  greater  affection  ibr  it  than  for 
ourselves,  we  seem  to  relax  a  little  from  the  gravity 
of  our  character,  nothing  escapes  its  observation. 
It  entreats  us  to  partake  in  its  licentious  pleasures  ; 
and  provided  we  suffer  ourselves  to  be  prevailed 
upon,  it  returns  our  complaisance  by  abusive  ca- 
lumnies, and  opprobious  accusations. 

Thus,  my  Brethren,  we  deceive  ourselves,  by 
thinking  that  we  gain  the  esteem  and  favour  of  the 
world,  by  familiarizing  ourselves  with  it,  and  by 
frequently  exhibiting  our  persons  at  its  amuse- 
ments, and  devoting  our  affection  to  its  pursuits. 
The  more  it  sees  us,  the  less  it  esteems  and  res- 
pects us  :  when,  therefore,  we  mingle  in  society, 
let  us  never  forget  that  we  are  the  Ministers  of  the 
Holy  Jesus. 

If  we  observe  the  rule  which  has  been  prescrib- 
ed, of  appearing  seldom  in  the  world,  it  will  be 
easy  for  us  to  carry  thither  gravity,  edification,  and 
zeal,  which  constitute  the  last  rule  I  shall  lay  down 
for  conducting  ourselves  with  propriety ;  for  these 
are  the  characters  which  are  to  announce  to  men  a 
Minister  of  the  Gospel. 

I  say,  gravity. — Our  manners,  our  conservation, 
our  whole  behaviour,  ought  to  support  the  holy  dig- 
nity of  our  calling  :  whatever  is  unbecoming  our 


164 


ministry,  is  unworthy  of  us.  We  often  persuade 
ourselves,  that  we  ought  to  adopt,  or  acquiesce  in, 
the  taste,  the  language,  and  the  manners  of  the 
world,  that  we  may  not  be  unacceptable  compa- 
nions ;  but  when  the  world  courts,  adopts,  is  de- 
lighted with  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  that  Pastor 
gives  a  decisive  proof,  that  he  ceases  to  regard  the 
decorum  of  his  station,  and  the  respectability  of  his 
character.  And  this  is  what  we  frequently  observe  : 
all  those  Clergyman,  with  whose  society  the  world 
seems  to  be  most  delighted,  are,  generally,  men  of 
worldly  minds,  who  preserve  little  more  of  the  pro- 
fession, than  the  name  :  the  spirit  of  the  world  ap- 
pears in  the  levity  of  their  discourse,  and  the  un- 
seemliness of  their  behaviour.  "  If  ye  were  of  the 
**  world,"  said  our  Lord  to  his  disciples,  ''  the 
*'  world  would  love  his  own  ;  but,  because,  ye  are 
"  not  of  the  world,  therefore,  the  world  hateth 
*'  you."  No,  my  Brethren,  the  world  does  not 
run  after  an  holy,  and  respectable  Pastor  :  it  is  not 
solicitous  to  associate  him  to  its  convivial  meetings, 
or  riotous  entertainments.  When  men  of  the  world 
have  need  of  consolation,  under  the  afflictions  with 
which  God  afflicts  them — when  the  approach  of 
death  presents  eternity  to  them  as  nigh  at  hand — 
then  it  is,  that  they  have  recourse  to  a  godly  Pas- 
tor. They  then  forsake  those,  whom  they,  before, 
appeared  so  highly  to  value ;  they  perceive,  that, 
such  characters  are  not  calculated  to  give  relief  to 
their  minds,  and  consolation  to  their  souls  ;  that, 
however  they  may  excel  in  the  things  of  the  world, 
they  are  out  of  their  sphere,  when  they  are  called 


165 


to  administer  comfort  to  the  dying,  by  the  fer 
vency  of  their  prayers,  and  the  piety  of  their 
instructions.  Let  us  not  deceive  ourselves ;  to 
purchase  the  friendship  and  esteem  of  the  world, 
we  must  sacrifice  a  certain  part  of  the  dignity  and 
gravity  of  our  sacred  ministry  :  the  world  does 
not  give  up,  in  the  smallest  degree,  its  baneful 
prejudices,  and  dangerous  maxims,  in  order  to 
unite  itself  to  us :  No  !  we  must  give  up  our 
consistency  of  character,  to  be  admitted  into  its 
societies* 

If  we  are  witnesses  of  those  abuses,  which  cus- 
tom justifies  in  the  world,  we  are  to  reprove  them: 
if  w^e  hear  conversation  which  is  offensive  to  de- 
cency, and  injurious  to  morals,  the  character  we 
bear,  authorizes  us  to  censure  and  condemn  it. 
For,  as  Tobit  expresses  in  his  prayer — "-  God 
''  hath  scattered  us  among  the  Gentiles,  that  w^e 
''  might  declare  his  greatness,  and  extol  him  be- 
''  fore  all  the  living  ;  for  he  is  our  Lord,  and  our 
"  Father,  for  ever." — It  is  scarcely  consistent 
with  the  real  character  of  a  Clergyman,  to  mingle 
in  ^conversation  with  men,  and  let  an  opportunity 
escape  us  of  promoting  their  edification^.     We 

*  Both  the  old  Dissenters  from  our  Church,  and  those  who 
are  now  forming  new  Seperations,  gam  and  preserve  a  surpris- 
ing Influence  amongst  then'  Followers  by  personal  religious 
Intercourse.  Why  should  not  we  learn  from  them  ?  At  first 
such  Applications  may  by  Disuse  appear  strange ;  and  have 
both  their  Difficulties  and  their  Dangers.  But  the  most  appre- 
hensive  of  them  will  be  the   safest  from  them  :  and  all  will 


166 

know  not,  but  that  a  plain  and  edifying  reflection, 
made  at  a  tim&  when  it  is  not  expected,  may 
become  to  our  brother  a  word  of  life,  and  of  salva- 
tion. Men  go  to  hear  our  discourses  from  the 
pulpit,  as  it  were,  on  their  guard,  and  prepossessed 
against  the  doctrines  we  illustrate,  and  the  pre- 
cepts we  enforce  ;  but,  in  familiar  conversation, 
truth  takes  the  sinner  by  surprize  :  through 
this  medium,  friendship,  mildness,  simplicity, 
give,  to  unpremeditated  and  unexpected  truth,  a 
force  and  pov/er,  which  other  discourses  usually 
want ;  but  should  it  even  be  without  effect,  we 
have,  at  least,  honoured  our  ministry  ;  we  have  edi- 
fied those  whom  we  could  not  undeceive ;  and,  at* 
tentive  to  the  admonition  of  the   Apostle,  we  have 


improve  their  talents  by  Practice.  On  young  persons  you 
will  be  able  to  make  good  Impressions  by  Discourse  with  them 
before  Confirmation  :  these  may  be  renewed  in  private  Exhor- 
tations afterwards  to  receive  the  Sacrament :  and  the  spiritual 
Acquaintance  thus  begun,  may  be  continued  ever  after.  Other 
Means  may  be  found  with  grown  Persons  :  on  the  first  settling 
of  a  Family  in  your  Parish  ;  on  occasion  of  any  great  Sick- 
ness, or  Affliction,  or  Mercy  ;  on  many  others,  if  you  seek  for 
them,  and  engage  worthy  Friends  to  assist  you.  Even  com- 
mon Conversation  may  be  led  very  naturally  to  Points  of  Piety 
and  Morals  ;  and  Numbers  be  thus  induced  to  reading  proper 
Books,  to  public,  to  private,  to  Family  Devotion,  to  Sobriety, 
Justice,  Alms-giving,  and  Christian  Love.  When  once  you 
are  well  got  into  the  Method,  you  will  proceed  with  Ease  and 
Applause ;  provided  your  whole  Character  and  Conduct  be 
consistent  ;  else  you  will  fall  into  total  Disgrace  ;  and  parti- 
cularly provided  you  convince  your  Parishioners,  that  you 
seek)  not  theirs^  but  Mew"— Abp.  Secker. 


167 


sanctified  our  whole   conversation — "  Be  ye  holy 
"  in  all  manner  of  conversation." 

But  have  we  not  to  apprehend,  that  we  should 
be  considered  troublesome,  or  should  expose  the 
truth  to  the  derision  and  contempt  of  those  who 
hear  it  ?  Surely  not.  A  worldly,  and  dissipated. 
Clergyman  would  not  act  consistently  with  his 
general  character,  were  he  to  converse  upon  edify- 
ing subjects,  among  men  devoted  to  the  world  : 
he  forfeits  that  privilege,  by  his  misconduct :  it 
would  be  ridiculous  to  suggest  to  the  minds  of 
others,  truths  which  he  seems  to  have  forgotten, 
as  useful  to  himself.  The  doctrine  of  piety  would 
blush  in  his  mouth  ;  it  would  be  heard  with  deri- 
sion and  contempt  ;  and  his  companions  would 
enquire,  with  bitter  taunts — "■  Is  Saul  also  among 
^'  the  prophets  ?"  But  the  opinion  and  advice  of 
a  godly  Pastor,  because  they  are  edifying,  are 
always  well  received  ;  the  world  may,  indeed,  re- 
ject the  truth,  but  it  secretly  esteems  him  that  de- 
clares it.  Upon  these  occasions,  prudence  must, 
invariably,  \>e  our  guide  ;  charity,  whose  object 
always  is  to  become  useful,  reminds  us,  that  we 
are  to  make  a  proper  choice  of  opportunities  ;  and 
how  many  are  presented  to  a  godly  Minister,  in 
his  conversation  with  men  of  the  world  ?  They 
converse  with  him  upon  their  projects,  their  dis- 
appointments, their  embarrassments  ; — now,  many 
are  the  occasions  which  present  themselves  of 
deploring  the  miserable  and  distracted  state  of 
those,   *'  whose  affections  are  set  on  the  things 


168 


of  the  earth,"  and  of  shewing  them  the  wis- 
dom, whatever  be  the  issue  of  their  schemes 
here,  of  providing  for  themselves  a  ''  trea- 
*'  sure,  which  neither  moth  nor  rust  can  des- 
''  troy,  and  where  thieves  cannot  break  through 
"  and  steal?" 

Besides,  there  are  innumerable  occasions  where 
we  need  not  be  apprehensive  of  being  esteemed 
importunate,  and  where  zeal,  alone,  ought  to 
predominate.  A  Clergyman  is  a  public  Minister, 
to  whom  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  interests  of 
religion  are  committed  among  men ;  wherever 
he  may  be,  he  ought  not,  through  complaisance, 
or  timidity,  to  listen  to  any  one — be  his  rank  or 
consequence  what  it  may — whose  discourse  is  di- 
rected against  religion,  who  contemns  its  pre- 
cepts, who  proposes  doubts  of  its  divinity,  or 
treats  its  holy  mysteries,  or  distinguishing  ordi- 
nances, with  derision,  who  justifies  vice,  or  ridi- 
cules virtue  :  in  a  v/ord,  whose  licentiousness 
and  impiety  dishonour  our  presence,  in  such  cases, 
zeal,  under  the  direction  of  prudence,  should  be 
alive  in  our  breasts.  Entrusted  as  religion  is,  to 
our  preservation,  we  "  should  know  no  one  accord- 
"  ing  to  the  flesh  ;"  we  should  forget  the  names, 
the  titles,  the  distinctions,  of  those  who  forget 
themselves  ;  and  it  may  be  right,  sometimes,  to 
**  answer  a  fool  according  to  his  folly  ;"  to  hum- 
ble his  pride  by  exposing  his  ignorance.  We 
vmdertake  with  eagerness,  and  support  w^ith 
warmth,   the  defence  of   a   friend,    whose    name 


169 


is  calumniated,  and  whose  interests  are  injur- 
ed ;  and,  in  order  to  stop  the  mouth  of  impiety, 
and  to  support  the  interests  of  Him,  *'  who  calls 
'*  us  not  servants,  but  friends,"  shall  we  not  shew 
the  same  zeal,  shall  we  not  exhibit  the  same 
spirit  ?  Can  we  persuade  ourselves  that  we  have 
fulfilled  what  the  honourable  title  of  a  Minister  of 
the  Gospel  requires  of  us,  by  dissimulation,  by 
silently  disapproving  the  attacks  made  upon  that 
Gospel,  which  we  preach,  and  by  sacrificing, 
through  a  weakness,  esteemed  mean  by  every 
observer,  the  name  and  glory  of  him,  who  sealed 
the  truth  of  it  with  his  blood  ?  No,  my  re- 
verend Brethren,  we  are  no  longer  the  friends 
whom  the  blessed  Jesus  hath  chosen  ;  the  title 
which  we  bear  is  a  reproach  to  us,  when  his 
name,  outraged  by  folly,  and  denied  by  blasphemy, 
does  not  awaken  our  love,  and  enkindle  our  zeal. 

Such  is  the  manner  in  which  we  are  to  live 
in  and  associate  with  the  world  ;  a  certain  so- 
ciety we  are  to  shun  ;  we  are  not  to  devote  our 
whole  time  even  to  that  which  is  allowed  us  ;  and 
gravity,  edification,  and  zeal,  are  always  to  accom- 
pany us. 

Do  you,  O  man  of  God,  as  the  Apostle  styles 
a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  conduct  yourself  ac- 
cording to  these  rules,  lest  you  cause  those,  to 
whom  you  deliver  the  word  of  life,  to  blaspheme 
against  it. 


170 


I  address  to  you,  in  conclusion,  the  words  of 
the  Apostle—'^  Thou,  O  nian  of  God!"  Were 
you  men  of  the  world,  its  interests,  errors,  and 
prejudices,  would  be  your  heritage  ;  you  would 
then,  not  inconsistently,  conform  to  its  maxims, 
and  adopt  its  language.  But  you  are,  individu- 
ally, men  of  God  upon  earth  ;  in  the  midst  of  the 
world,  you  are  entrusted  with  the  interests  of 
God,  with  the  support  of  his  glory,  and  the  main- 
tenance of  his  worship.  An  ambassador  of  a 
prince  speaks  only  in  the  name  of  his  master; 
he  lays  aside  the  private,  he  exhibits  only  the 
public,  mM\ — the  representative  of  a  king.  And 
we,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  who  are  men  of  God, 
in  the  midst  of  the  world,  shall  we  lay  aside 
this  holy  and  public  character,  with  which  we 
are  honoured,  in  order  that  we  may,  with  the 
greater  freedom  from  restraint,  become  men  of 
the  world  ?  Shall  we  blush  to  speak  the  lan- 
guage and  enforce  the  doctrines,  of  him  who 
sent  us  ? 

Forgetting  the  majesty  of  him  whom  we  repre- 
sent, and  the  dignity  which  he  hath  conferred 
upon  us,  by  commissioning  us  to  confess  his  name, 
and  preach  salvation  to  his  people ;  shall  we  sanc- 
tion, by  our  conduct,  the  maxims  of  that  world, 
which  is  at  enmity  with  him  ?  Thou,  O  man  of 
God  !  Let  us  bear  the  high  title  on  our  fore- 
head ;  let  us  be,  on  every  occasion,  men  of  God  .' 
Let  our  most  common  actions,  our  conversation, 


171 


our  engagements  be  ennobled,  and  sanctified,  by 
this  holy  and  honourable  character  ;  let  us  never 
disgrace  ourselves,  by  laying  it  aside.  Let  us 
never  forget,  that  the  world  will  respect  us  in  it, 
so  long  as  we  shall  respect  ourselves. 


CHARGE  XL 

ON  THE   PRUDENT   CONVERSATION  AND  BE- 
HAVIOUR OF  THE  CLERGY. 


Let  your  moderation  be  known  unto  all  men. 


173 


CHARGE  XI. 

ON  THE  PRUDENT  CONVERSATION  AND  BEHA^ 
VIOUR  OF  THE  CLERGY. 


REPRESENT  to  yourselves  the  Lord,  whose 
Ministers  we  are,  continually  present  with  us ;  and 
as  we  are  entrusted  with  the  interests  of  His  glory, 
His  eyes  incessantly  upon  us,  lest,-  by  levity,  we 
should  disparage,  or  by  indecency,  profane  it. 

Nothing  is  more  strongly  recommended  to  the 
Ministers  of  the  gospel,  than  propriety  of  conduct. 
The  same  decorum,  the  same  circumspection, 
which  accompanies  them  to  the  sanctuary,  ought  to 
accompany  them  every  where  :  and  as  they  are 
every  where  the  ambassadors  of  Christ,  and  repre- 
sent His  person,  they  are  expected  on  every  occa- 
sion, to  support  the  dignity  of  their  character,  by 
their  prudent  conversation,  and  in  the  whole  tenor 
of  their  actions. 

I  say,  first,  in  their  prudent  conversation.  You 
know  what  the  gospel  requires  of  all,  ^'  who  are 
*'  called  by  the  name  of  Christ."  Our  Lord  de- 
clares, that  all  men  shall  give  a  strict  account  of 
e^^ery  word  which  they  shall  utter ;  not  only  of  those 

w 


174 


words,  which  according  to  the  Apostle,  ought  not 
to  be  named  among  us  ;  not  only  of  filthy  talking, 
which  as  the  same  apostle  expresses  it,  is  not  be- 
coming saints — men  who  have  taken  upon  them 
the  profession  of  Christianity  ; — not  only  of  those 
words  of  bitterness,  of  hatred,  of  malignity, 
which  extinguish  the  spirit  of  Christian  charity 
in  our  hearts  ;  not  only  of  those  words  proceed- 
ing from  wrath  and  passion,  which  rob  us  of  the 
serenity  and  mildness,  inculcated  in  the  gospel, 
and  indispensable  in  its  professors  ;  but  also  of 
every  idle  word.*  Whence  proceeds  a  severity 
so  little  accommodating  to  the  weakness  of  fallen 
man?  It  proceeds  from  the  first  principle  of  our 
Christian  calling,  that  we  are  holy  ;  that  out  con- 
versation is  in  heaven ;  that  the  time  of  our  pre- 
sent life  is  but  a  rapid  moment,  intended  to 
'*  work  out  for  us,  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eter- 
^'  nal  weight  of  glory  ;"  and  that  we  are  not  to  pro- 
stitute our  words,  or  employ  our  conversation,  on 
topics  which  might  pollute  the  mouth,  as  well  as 
defile  the  heart. 

If,  then,  the  gospel  requires  so  much  circum- 
spection and  reserve  in  the  conversation  of  Chris- 
tians, as  to  esteem  an  idle  word  to  be  a  trans- 
gression of  it — what  will  it  not  require  of  its  Mini- 
sters ? 


*  Se6  the  five  last  pages  of  the  Tenth  Lecture  of  the  Bishop 
of  London,  on  St.  MattheAv,  VqI.  I. 


175 

Can  the  mouth  of  a  Christian  Pastor,  employed 
as  it  is^  in  celebrating  the  praises  of  God,  and 
proclaiming  the  blessings  of  Redemption,  open  for 
the  purpose  of  foolish,  or  profane  conversation  ? 
Can  his  tongue,  after  reciting  the  wonderful  works 
of  Providence,  after  denouncing  the  terrors  and 
threatenings  awaiting  wilful  disobedience  of  the 
divine  commands,  pour  forth,  I  do  not  say,  oaths 
and  curses,  but  unseemly  words,  indecent  allu- 
sions, or  disgusting  levity  ?  No  !  "  Let  my 
*'  mouth  be  filled  with  thy  praise,  that  I  may  sing 
*'  of  thy  glory  and  honour,  all  the  day  long.  My 
"  mouth  shall  shew  forth  thy  righteousness  and 
*'  salvation,  for  I  know  no  end  thereof.  My  lips 
"  shall  rejoice  when  I  sing  unto  thee,  and  so  shall 
*'  my  soul,  w^hom  thou  hast  delivered."  The  lips 
of  the  Priest  are  to  keep  knowledge  :  the  law  of 
God  is  put  into  his  mouth,  to  be  delivered  by 
him,  to  the  world  ;  and  when  the  Holy  Spirit  calls 
us  to  the  ministry,  he  sometimes  addresses  us,  as 
he  did  the  Prophet — *'  I  have  put  my  words  in 
*'  thy  mouth,  and  I  have  covered  thee  with  the 
'*  shadow  of  mine  hand,  that  I  may  plant  the  hea- 
*'  vens,  and  lay  the  foundation  of  the  earth,  and 
"  say  unto  Zion,  thou  art  my  people  ;" — that  is  to 
say,  that  you  make  a  new  heaven,  and  a  new  earth, 
of  the  people  committed  to  your  charge.  What 
inference  shall  we  draw  from  this?— That  our 
tongue  is  no  longer  our  own ;  that  it  is  consecrated 
to  the  service  of  God,  and  the  edification  of  man- 
kind. We  are  not  to  understand,  that  we  are  for- 
bidden the  pleasures  of  innQ.qent  society  ;  buttha^ 


J  76 

our  conversation  is  always  to  be  grave,  decent, 
and  reserved  ;  more  especially  when  we  are  con- 
versing witli  "  our  brethren,  partakers  of  the  same 
"  holy  calling,"  we  are  to  promote  mutual  edifi- 
cation, and  to  encourage,  animate,  and  support 
each  other.  We  are,  sometimes,  witnesses  of  a 
great  indiscretion,  and  observe  a  lamentable  want 
of  prudence,  in  Pastors  :  what  is  serious,  edifying, 
becoming  their  profession,  w^e  do  not  hear  ;  what 
disgusts  by  levity,  and  offends  by  indiscretion, 
may,  sometimes,  I  fear,  be  attributed  to  us  ;  justi- 
fying the  observation,  that  where  the  heart  is  im- 
pure, the  lips  are  polluted.  Are  these,  my  Breth- 
ren, the  organs  of  the  Holy  Spirit  ?  Are  these  the 
mouths  consecrated  to  God,  and  appointed  to  bear 
his  name,  and  proclaim  his  will,  unto  the  world  ? 
Are  these  the  voices  which  are  to  cry  aloud,  and 
not  to  spare  ?  Are  these  the  heralds  of  heaven, 
sent  to  prepare  the  way  of  the  Lord,  and  to  make 
the  crooked  paths  of  sinners  straight  ?  Are  these 
the  ambassadors  of  Christ,  dispersed  throughout 
the  world,  to  declare  unto  it  the  word  of  recon- 
ciliation? Or,  are  they  sent  by  his  enemy,  the 
prince  of  this  world,  in  order  to  procure  him  fol- 
lowers, and  to  extend  liis  wretched  empire  ?  How 
abominable,  my  Brethren,  for  a  Clergyman  to 
pollute  his  lips,  devoted  to  the  delivery  of  truths, 
the  most  awful  in  themselves,  the  most  sublime 
in  their  effects  !  "He  hath,"  says  the  Prophet, 
''  made  my  mouth  like  a  sharp  sword.  And  he 
*^  said  unto  me,  thou  art  my  servant,  in  whom  I 
**  will  be  glorified."  What !  shall  the  mouth,  pro* 


177 

foned  by  licentious  conversation,  pronounce  the 
words  of  righteousness,  and  of  salvation  !  What 
can  proceed  from  a  mouth  so  dishonoured,  which 
can  either  terrify  the  sinner,  or  comfort  the  right- 
eous ?  The  language  of  piety  must,  in  such  lips, 
*'  l>e  a  strange  language  ;"  insomuch,  that  the 
Holy  Word,  designed  to  confound  the  wicked, 
and  to  console  the  good,  excites,  in  the  one,  con- 
tempt, and  impresses  the  other,  with  sorrow.  Let 
no  one  depart  out  of  our  company  without  deriving 
from  it,  some  degree  of  edification,  without  feeling 
an  additional  respect  for  Religion,  and  its  Minis- 
ters. Let  all  men  learn,  in  conversing  with  us, 
how  to  render  society,  at  once  instructive  and 
holy  ;  let  them  learn,  that  circumspection,  pru- 
dence, and  charity,  in  conversation j  that  an  ami- 
able allowance  for  the  faults  of  our  neighbour,  tend 
to  make  society  more  agreeable  and  desirable, 
than  the  calumny,  the  levity,  the  indecency,  of 
ordinary  discourse.  Let  us  not,  my  Reverend 
Brethren,  be  afraid  of  losing  the  friendship  of  the 
Great,  and  the  patronage  of  the  Powerful,  by  the 
observance  of  these  rules  ;  they  expect,  from  us, 
the  observance  of  them.  They  will  not  send  to  us 
tp  partake  of  their  amusements,  and  join  them  in 
their  diversions,  I  acknowledge  ;  but  they  will  send 
to  us  when  they  want  edification  ;  when,  weary  of 
the  world,  and  its  vanities,  they  shall  form  the  re- 
solution of  leading  a  more  regular  and  Christian 
life  ;  when,  overwhelmed  with  adversity,  they  shall 
have  need  of  consolation  ;  when,  struck  by  the 
hand  of  God  with  sickness  or  infirmity,  they  shall 


178 


have  recourse  to  our  ministry,  in  order  to  ap> 
pease  his  wrath,  and  repent  of  those  offences,  by 
which  they  may  have  become  subject  to  his  indig- 
nation*^. 

The  next  reflection  to  which  I  shall  solicit  your 
attention  is,  that  our  very  relaxations  are  to  be 
ifcuch  as  to  give  no  offence. 

That  both  the  body  and  the  mind  have  need 
of  relaxation  is  attested  by  general  experience ; 
but  this  indulgence  is  only  proper  and  allowable^ 
when  it  disposes  us  to  fulfil  our  professional  du- 
ties, and  when  it  facilitates  a  compliance  with  the 
observance  of  them.  Repose  is  necessary,  to 
supply  us  with  new  powers  to  continue  our 
course  :  all  the  avocations  which  alienate  us  from 
it,  which  draw  us  aside,  which  create  in  us  a  dis- 
like of  our  calling,  propriety  forbids,  and  Religion 
condemns  :  the  sports  of  the  field,  gaming,  giddy 
company,  any  of  these  delights,  which  powerfully 
engage  our  mind,  and  chiefly  occupy  our  time, 
are  surely  unbecoming.  For,  independent  of  the 
impropriety  of  an  employment,  so  indecent  in  a 
Clergyman,  as  addicting  himself,  from  day  to  day, 
to  the  destruction  of  an  animal  or  a  bird,  is  it  an 
exercise  congenial  to  the  humanity  and  gravity  of 
our  character  ?  Does  a  Clergyman,  with  weapons 

*  The  Second  Part  of  this  Discourse  is  confined  to  censures 
respecting  the  dress  of  the  French  Clergy,  which,  not  bein^ 
at  all  applicable  to  us,  I  omit. 


179 


of  destruction  in  his  hand,  breathing  only  blood 
and  slaughter,  represei:^the  Great  Shepherd,  em- 
ployed in  conducting  his  flock  in  peace ;  or  the 
wolf,  prepared  to  devour,  and  to  destroy  it? 
**  The  arms  of  our  warfare,"  says  the  Apostle, 
"  are  not  carnal,  but  spiritual,  designed  to  com- 
*'  bat  pride,  avarice,  and  every  high  thought  which 
"  exalts  itself  against  God  ;"  faith  is  our  buckler  ; 
zeal  for  the  salvation  of  men  our  sword  ;  these 
are  the  arms  committed  to  us  by  the  Church, 
w^ien  we  become  her  Ministers.  How  indecent, 
then,  in  a  Pastor,  to  devote  his  time  to  diversions  ! 
He  neglects  his  flock ;  he  does  not  deign  to  succour 
those  sheep  who  are  perishing;  and  he  observes 
with  vigilant  attention,  and  pursues,  with  keen 
impatience,  the  flight  of  a  bird,  or  the  course  of  an 
animal.  After  indulging  himself  in  this  barbarous 
exercise,  does  he  feel  disposed  to  go  and  present 
his  person,  and  pour  out  his  prayers,  for  the 
souls  committed  to  his  care,  at  the  Throne  of 
Grace?  Do  not  the  recollection,  the  seriousness, 
the  holy  fervor,  essential  to  the  proper  discharge 
of  his  spiritual  avocations,  suffer,  by  the  riotous 
dissipation,  in  which  he  has  lately  been  so  unholily 
engaged?  What  veneration  can  the  people  have 
for  their  Pastor,  when  they  see  in  his  hands  the 
consecrated  elements,  the  pledge  of  our  salvation, 
whilst  their  minds  are  impressed  with  the  reflection 
that  they  had,  perhaps,  on  the  preceding  day,  seen 
those  hands  employed  in  bearing  destructive  arms, 
directed  to  carry  terror  and  death  to  the  wild  and 
unoffending  inhabitants  of  the  field  ? 


18a 


What  I  have  said  of  rural  diversions,  I  may  say^ 
also,  of  frequent  play.  A  Clergyman,  who  is  a 
professed  gamester,  is  a  disgrace  to  the  Church  ; 
he  loses  at  the  gaming  table^  the  time  designed  for 
the  salvation  and  the  sanctilication  of  the  souls 
redeemed  by  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God  ;  he 
loses  then,  the  attachment  to  whatever  is  serious 
and  sacred  in  his  profession ;  the  respect  and 
the  confidence  of  his  flock ;  the  quiet  and  tran- 
quillity of  his  mind  :  he  loses  there  his  soul,  by 
the  passions  inevitably  attendant  upon  play  ; 
What  does  he  not  lose,  since  he  there  loses  the 
spirit  of  his  vocation,  and  the  whole  advantage 
of  his  ministry  ?  Such  are  the  losses  which  can 
never  be  repaired,  with  which  the  loss  of  money, 
however  severely  it  may  be  felt,  can  never  be  put 
in  competition. 

Permit  me,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  to  conclude 
this  discourse  with  the  words  of  the  Apostle — "  Ye 
^'  have  not  so  learned  Christ ;  ye,  who  are  our  glory 
^'  and  joy,"  do  not  thus  dishonor  your  ministry  ;  ye 
do  not  thus  prostitute  that  sacred  character  which 
ye  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  ye  have  not 
thus  learned  Christ.  Continue  then,  my  brethren, 
to  conduct  yourselves  before  your  respective  flocks, 
in  a  manner  becoming  the  holiness  of  your  calling ; 
**  See  that  ye  walk  circumspectly,  not  as  fools, 
"  but  as  wise,  redeeming  the  time,  because  the 
*'  days  are  evil."  The  reserve,  the  circumspec- 
tion, interwoven  in  your  whole  deportment,  cannot 


181 


be  too  much,  guarded  ;  what  may  be  lawful,  may 
not  be  expedient :  consider  the  people  who  sur- 
round you,  as  so  many  censors,  whose  eyes,  al- 
ways upon  you,  pardon  noihing,  and  are  more 
disposed  to  construe  a  slight  dissipation  into  a 
crime,  than  to  excuse  it,  as  an  allowable  relaxa- 
tion. Let  us  not  encrease  the  blindness  of  the 
world,  by  confirming  it  in  its  profligacy,  its  errors, 
or  its  prejudices,  through  our  example  ;  let  us  not 
become  stones  of  stumbling,  to  those,  to  whom 
we  are  to  be  guides  in  the  paths  of  salvation  ;  and 
let  us  not  be  the  severest  scourge  with  which  the 
Church  can  be  afilicted  ; — us,  whom  it  has  hon- 
oured with  its  choice,  and  distinguished  by  its 
confidence,  to  become  the  oracles  of  its  truth,  and 
the  dispensers  of  its  blessings. 


CHARGE  XII, 

ON   THE  SOLICITUDE  THE  CLERGY  OUGHT  TO 

SHEW  FOR  THEIR  PEOPLE,  WHEN 

CONFINED  BY  SICKNESS. 


Be  not  slow  to  visit  the  sick  ;  for  that  shall  make 
thee  to  be  beloved. 


183 


CHARGE  XII. 


ON  THE  SOLICITUDE  THE  CLERGY  OUGHT  TO 

SHEW  FOR  THEIR  PEOPLE,  WHEN 

CONFINED  BY  SICKNESS. 


I  AM  this  day  to  address  you  upon  a  subject 
which  will,  I  doubt  not,  arrest  the  attention,  and 
interest  the  heart,  of  every  Clergyman  who  hears 
me — which  is,  the  care  and  solicitude  we  should 
shew  for  our  flock,  when  they  are  confined  by 
sickness.  Negligence  in  other  parts  of  our  duty, 
however  inexcusable  in  the  sight  of  God,  may, 
indeed,  sometimes  find  an  excuse  in  the  judg- 
ment of  men,  who  do  not  consider  the  nature  of 
our  engagements,  and  the  extent  of  our  duties  : 
but  to  neglect  a  dying  soul,  betrays  such  a  want 
of  humanity,  as  to  give  great  and  serious  offence 
to  a  whole  parish,  alarmed  at  beholding  a  wretch 
on  the  brink  of  death,  without  being  assisted  by 
his  Minister,  to  possess  himself  of  the  comfort 
of  hope,  if  he  cannot  arrive  at  the  assurance  of 
pardon. 

Can  a  father  see  his  children  taken  from  him, 
without  running  to  their  support,  and,  at  least,  be- 
stowing upon  them  his  blessing,  the  last  tokens  of 
his  tenderness  and  affection  ?     Is  he  a  Shepherd, 


184 


or  an  enemy  to  the  Rock,  who  perceives  one  of  his 
sheep  weak,  it  may  be  dying,  and  who  does  not 
deign  to  approach  it,  to  see  whether  he  can  admi- 
nister to  it  any  relief  ?  The  good  Shepherd  leaves 
.his  whole  flock,  to  go  after  a  single  one  that  has 
strayed ;  and  will  you  leave  that  which  is  dying 
before  your  eyes,  to  perish,  unattended  to,  in  the 
very  midst  of  the  fold  ? 

No,  my  Brethren,  a  Clergyman  who  fails  to 
visit  those  souls  for  whom  he  must  one  day  give 
account,  when  they  are  confined  by  sickness, 
who  goes,  only,  when  he  is  sent  for,  in  the  last  * 
extremity ;  who,^  after  long  delay,  shews  himself 
— -when,  from  the  violence  of  the  disorder,  nei- 
ther the  presence  of  the  Pastor,  nor  the  prayers 
appointed  to  be  read  in  his  dying  agonies,  can 
convey  any  comfort  to  the  unhappy  man  ;  can 
there  remain  in  the  breast  of  such  a  Clergyman  a 
single  sentnuent  of  Religion  :  can  he  be  otherwise 
than  seized  vvith  horror  at  the  reflection,  that  that 
soul  is  going  to  appear  before  the  awful  tribunal 
of  God  ?  What  will  it  answer,  in  the  severe  exa- 
mination which  it  is  to  undergo,  when  it  departs 
from  the  body,  of  the  use  it  has  made  of  its  sick- 
ness, of  the  restitution  of  goods  unjustly  acquired, 
of  "  repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  towards 
*'  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?"  What  will  be  the 
answer  it   will   make  ? — He,   Lord,  whom  thou 


*  The  visits  of  the  Clergy  can,  at  that  juncture,  do  no  good, 
und  are  rather  to  be  discouraged,  than  promoted. 


185 


didst  appoint  to  Support  my  weakness,  and  encrease 
my  faith,  in  the  sickness  with  which  it  pleased 
thee  to  visit  me,  he,  whose  duty  it  was  to  have 
taught  me,  by  his  instr.xtions,  and  enabled  me 
by  his  consolations,  to  bear  it  with  submission,  as 
a  just  punishment  for  the  sins  of  my  life,  left  me 
on  that  bed  of  sickness  and  of  sorrow — although  I 
was  about  to  hear  from  thy  own  mouth  the  decisive 
decree  of  eternity — unwilling  to  give  up  any  part 
of  his  time  to  preserve  a  soul  whom  thou  hadst 
redeemed.  Such  will  be  the  answer :  and  can  a 
Minister  of  a  Parish  be  persuaded  of  this,  and 
dare  to  neglect  those  over  whom  he  is  appointed 
to  watch,  in  the  time  of  sickness,  and  in  the  hour 
of  death  ?  The  souls  committed  to  your  *  care 
should,  in  this  state  of  weakness,  claim  the  great- 
est share  of  your  attention,  and  their  salvation 
should  be  the  constant  subject  of  your  prayers  : 
your  condemnation,  or  your  apology,  will  form 
the  first  article   of  the   severe  examination  they 

*  "  Relieving,  or  obtaining  relief  for  such  as  are  dis- 
tressed in  their  circumstances  :  hearing  your  people  willingly 
and  patiently,  though  perhaps  low  in  Rank,  or  weak  in  Under- 
standing, when  they  would  consult  you  upon  any  difficulty,  and 
answering  them  with  consideration  and  tenderness  ;  disposing 
them,  to  be  visited  when  sick,  praying  by  them  with  fervency, 
exhorting  and  comforting  them  with  fidelity,  compassion,  and 
prudence  ;  and  reminding  them  strongly,  yet  mildly,  after 
their  recovery,  of  their  good  thoughts  and  purposes  during 
their  illness  ;  will  be  further  proofs,  very  beneficial  and  en- 
gaging ones,  of  your  seriousness  ;  which  however  you  must 
complete  by  going  through  every  other  office  of  religion  with 
dignity." — Abp.  Secker. 


186 


will  undergo  at  the  tribunal  of  God.  What  mo- 
tive more  interesting  to  prompt  you  to  go  to 
their  support  !  to  leave  every  engagement,  in 
order  to  administer  to  them  consolation,  to  give 
them  the  most  affecting  marks  of  your  zeal  and 
love,  and  to  melt  them  into  sorrow,  by  the  lively 
and  sincere  interest  you  take  in  their  salvation  ! 

Should  you,  on  any  other  occasion,  neglect  to 
discharge  your  duty,  you  may  always  flatter  your- 
selves that  your  negligence  can  be  repaired ;  but 
if  you  suffer  a  sick  person  to  die,  without  endea- 
voring to  prepare  him  for  eternity,  you  are  left 
without  a  possibility  of  atoning  for  you  fault. — 
The  unhappy  being  had,  through  your  means, 
lost  those  precious  moments  which  the  goodness 
of  God  had  reserved  for  him  in  the  support  of 
your  ministry  :  there  is  no  resource  ;  his  repro- 
bation hangs,  continually  over  your  head  :  and 
what  shall  you  be  able  to  offer  unto  God,  to  com- 
pensate for  the  loss  of  a  soul  redeemed  at  so  great 
a  price  ?  Moreover,  the  case  of  your  sick  parish- 
ioners is  the  only  opportunity  you  have  of  repeat- 
ing and  encreasing  your  assiduity  and  your  con- 
cern for  them,of  repairing  all  the  negligences,  which, 
may,  during  your  life,  have  rendered  you  account- 
able for  their  salvation.  It  is  an  happy  conjuncture 
for  you,  which  the  Almighty  seems  to  have  put  into 
your  hands,  to  the  end  that  you  may  restore  to  him 
a  soul,  whom  your  inattention,  your  want  of  pas- 
toral solicitude,  had  left  easy  and  unconcerned, 
without  a  feeling  of  remorse,  or,   it  may  be,  with 


187 

scarce  a  desire  of  salvation.  Can  you,  then,  when 
you  are  acquainted,  that  God  has  struck  that  soul 
with  sickness,  prefer,  to  a  duty,  so  awful  and  in- 
teresting, both  to  him  and  yourself — an  useless 
visit,  or  an  idle  conversation — a  party  at  play,  or  a 
series  of  amusements  ?  Must  the  extremity  of 
sickness  drag  you  by  force,  as  it  were,  in  spite  of 
yourself,  and  oblige  you  to  repair  to  the  sick  per- 
son, to  whom,  as  I  have  already  observed,  your 
presence  and  the  prayers  you  offer  up,  can  be  of 
no  service  ?  What  can  be  the  motive  of  a  Minis- 
ter in  going,  after  the  most  unjustifiable  delay,  to 
a  dying  man?  To  inspire  him  with  sentiments  of 
grief  for  his  past  life  ?  To  exhort  him  to  bring  to 
remembrance  the  number,  and  the  continuance  of 
his  sins  ?  All,  alas  !  is  too  late  ;  and  can  a  clergy 
man,  in  his  conscience,  believe  himself  clear  from 
all  accusation  of  neglect  of  duty,  in  the  sight  both 
of  God  and  man,  because  he  went,  when  he  was 
sent  for,  to  read  over  him  the  prayers  of  the 
Church,  and  administer  to  him,  when  his  reason 
had  almost  forsaken  him,  the  Sacrament  of  the 
body  and  blood  of  the  Lord  ?  Can  he  beseech 
God  to  send  his  holy  angels  to  receive  and  defend 
that  soul  from  all  the  invisible  powers  of  darkness, 
and  to  supplicate  these  heavenly  spirits  to  present 
it  in  the  presence  of  God  ?  What  are  they  to  pre- 
sent to  this  adorable  Being  ? — They  are  to  oflPer  to 
*^the  Great  Preserver  of  men,"  a  soul,  of  whom 
you,  who  was  the  Pastor,  have  become  the  cruel 
destroyer.  What,  then,  can  you  expect,  but  that, 
like  the  servants,  as  related  by  our  Saviour  in  the 


188 

parable,  they  should  beseech  the  Lord  of  the  Har- 
vest, that  he  would  suffer  them  "  to  go  and  gather 
up  the  tares"  out  of  his  divine  field?  That  they 
should  solicit  him  no  longer  to  permit  souls,  creat- 
ed for  the  immortal  society  of  saints  and  angels,  to 
perish  through  the  negligence  of  so  indolent  a  Mi- 
nister? I  cannot  describe  the  uneasiness  I  feel, 
when  I  hear  of  persons  dying  without  any  expres- 
sions of  repentance,  without  their  giving  any  rea- 
son to  believe  they  have  made  their  peace  with  God 
— especially,  when  the  Minister  has  failed  in  his 
duty,  which  consisted  in  entreating  them  to  call 
earnestly  upon  God,  if  haply  he  would  answer. 

As,  however,  it  sometimes  happens,  that  the 
most  plausible  excuses  are  offered  by  the  Clergy, 
in  their  justification,  I  will  add  one  other  reflec- 
tion, which  may  not  be  inapplicable  to  many  who 
now  hear  me,  and  which  may  in  a  more  especial 
manner,  awaken  in  them  an  attention  and  solici- 
tude, which  are  indispensable  on  their  part,  to- 
wards their  sick  parishioners.  The  discourses 
which  you  deliver,  from  the  pulpit,  are  generally 
addressed  to  hearers  in  the  full  possession  of 
health  :  death,  eternity,  the  future  punishments  to 
be  inflicted  on  the  impenitent,  are  subjects  which 
health,  spirits,  the  hope  of  long  life,  present  to 
them,  as  at  a  distance,  and  which,  in  consequence, 
are  cursorily  noticed,  or  almost  immediately  for- 
gotten :  if  they  are  affected  at  all,  it  is,  ordinarily, 
with  a  slight  and  transient  emotion,  which,  only  for 
an  instant,  disturbs  their  peace,  or  awakens  their  ap- 


189 

prehensions.  ^Melancholy  experience,  alas  !  often 
makes  us  mourn  over  the  small  advantage  derived 
by  our  auditory  from  our  exhortations,  v/ith  what- 
ever judgment  they  arc  adapted,  and  with  what- 
ever energy  enforced ;  and  we  have  the  renewed 
sorrow  of  seeing  many  depart  from  the  public 
worship  of  Almighty  God,  after  hearing  the  most 
awful  truths,  and  return,  without  compunction, 
to  the  commission  of  those  very  vices,  which  we 
had  been  endeavouring  to  convince  them,  would 
subject  them  to  the  wrath  of  God,  and  the  punish- 
ment of  the  damned.  But  the  instructions  which 
we  offer  to  a  sinner,  overwhelmed  with  infirmities, 
and  menaced  with  death,  are  seldom  delivered  in 
vain  :  he  feels  that  the  body,  for  which  alone  he 
had  always  lived  in  subjection  to  disorderly  pas- 
sions, is  ready  to  fall  into  corruption ;  he  antici- 
pates death,  eternity,  hell,  and  all  those  torments 
of  which  he  had  ahvays  lost  sight :  the  grand  and 
awful  truths  of  the  Gospel,  which  had  appeared  to 
him  no  other  than  as  phantoms,  become  real,  and 
alight  at  once,  if  I  may  use  the  expression,  on  his 
affrighted  soul ;  one  single  exhortation  then,  dic- 
tated by  zeal,  and  accompanied  with  charity  ;  one 
single  reflection  upon  that  forge tfulness  of  God,  in 
which  he  has  always  lived,  and  upon  the  account 
he  is  going  to  give,  is  productive  of  the  happiest 
effects  :  not  one  of  your  words  then  '^  returns  un- 
to you  void;"  his  eyes  open,  his  heart — hitherto 
engaged  with  the  things  of  the  world,  which  are, 
he  sees,  fleeting  and  evanescent — fixes  on  the  only 
object  which  claims,  or  which  deserves,  his  atten- 


190 


tioii ;  he  deplores  his  error  and  his  blindness  ;  he 
acknowledges,  with  confusion,  that  God,  alone, 
hath  had  no  part  in  the  several  occupations  which 
have  filled  the  entire  course  of  his  life ;  he  feels 
the  whole  unreasonableness,  ingratitude,  and  enor- 
mity, of  his  sins,  and  the  just  punishment  w^hich, 
he  believes,  he  cannot  escape  ;  you  console  and 
support  him,  with  the  hope  of  pardon,  founded 
on  the  infinite  value  of  the  blood  of  Christ,  and 
upon  the  inexhaustible  mercy  of  God,  who  never 
rejects  the  sinner,  w^hen,  wath  a  sincere  and  peni- 
tent heart,  he  returns  to  **  the  Rock  of  his  Salva- 
*' tion  :"  you  have  the  satisfaction  of  being  wit- 
ness to  his  sorrc^  and  lamentations,  and  of  seeing 
the  humiliation  and  remorse  with  which  his  heart 
is  penetrated,  painted  on  his  dying  features  ;  and 
should  the  moment,  which  separates  the  soul 
from  the  body,  arrive,  how  great  is  your  conso- 
lation, in  being  able  to  say — Go,  Christian  soul, 
return  into  the  bosom  of  God,  from  which  you 
originally  proceeded,  and  present,  at  his  tribunal, 
your  repentance,  which  will,  we  hope,  be  accept- 
ed by  the  Father  of  Mercies,  and  the  God  of  all 
consolation*.  Now,  can  a  Pastor  avoid  being  af- 
fected with  such  an  awful  scene — a  scene  so  cal- 
culated to  alleviate  the  cares,  and  recompense  the 

*  This  is  a  very  dangerous  doctrine.  Let  every  Minister 
inculcate  upon  his  hearers  the  great  support  derived  from  an 
exemplary  fife,  from  the  conscientious  discharge  of  the  seve- 
ral duties  of  their  station,  rather  than  trust  to  the  expecta- 
tion of  an  holy  death,  the  reality  of  ^yhich  is,  at  the  best,  doubt- 
in  1  ;  and  the  e fleet  uncertain. 


191 

troubles  of  the  sacred  ministry  ?  Can  a  Pastor,  b} 
delays,  deprive  his  sick  parishioner — under  any 
pretence  whatever — of  the  support  which  he  so 
justly  demands  of  him  ?  Shall  the  rigour  of  the 
season,  the  badness  of  the  road,  the  interruption  of 
sleep,  a  slight  indisposition,  be  alleged  as  excuses 
for  protracting,  to  another  time,  the  exercise  of  a 
function,  when  there  is  not  a  moment  to  lose  >? 
Such  are  the  pretences  by  which  Pastors,  in  other 
respects  irreproachable,  suffer  themselves  to  be 
seduced.  The  rigors  of  the  season  ? — But  would 
this  prevent  you,  when  expedition  was  required, 
from  going  to  solicit  a  benefice,  or  take  posses- 
sion of  a  dignity  ?  and  do  you  thing  diligence  less 
necessary,  when  you  are  to  go  to  assure  your 
brother  of  a  place  in  heaven,  and  of  an  hereditary 
title  to  an  eternal  kingdom  ?  Did  the  Apostolical 
Ministers,  whom  we  have  succeeded,  observe  times 
and  days,  in  going  to  the  support  of  their  brethren? 
They  went,  *'  in  fastings,  in  cold,  and  nakedness." 
The  difficulty  of  the  way  ?  But  the  good  Shep- 
herd goes  to  seek  his  sheep  across  mountains, 
which  can  scarce  be  traversed  ;  and  shall  the  ways 
seem  difficult  to  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  who 
is  going  to  shew  to  a  soul  the  way  to  heaven  ? — - 
The  interruption  of  sleep  ?  But,  not  to  take  from 
your  indolence  an  hour  sleep,  do  you  not  dread, 
lest,  by  your  delays,  you  precipitate  your  brother 
into  the  eternal  sleep  of  death  ? — Lastly,  a  slight 
indisposition? — But  let  us,  my  Brethren,  often 
reflect,  that  Christ  Jesus,  in  his  last  agonies,  and 
under  the  utmost  severity  of  torment,  did  not  re- 


192 

fuse  hl^  support  to  a  wretch,  expiring  at  his  side, 
who  was  acknowledging  his  power,  and  imploring 
his  mercy  ;  and  shall  a  trilling  interruption  of  health 
render  you  insensible  to  the  cries  of  a  sinner,  who 
solicits  the  support  of  your  ministry  ?  And  does 
it  appear  to  you  more  dangerous  to  expose,  for  a 
moment,  your  health,  than  the  eternal  salvation 
of  a  soul,  committed  to  your  care,  and  w^iich  is, 
perhaps,  on  the  brink  of  perdition  ?  Is  it  not  then, 
that  you  should  adopt  the  language  of  the  Apos- 
tle— ''  When  I  am  weak,  then  am  I  strong  ?" 
My  feebleness  is  on  the  point  of  becoming  a  new 
source  of  power  and  courage.  A  Shepherd,  surely, 
should  be  always  ready  to  lay  down  his  life  for 
his  sheep  ;  and  do  you  not  think  a  slight  effort  a 
duty  you  owe  to  your  flock,  which  might,  at  the 
most,  retard  a  few  days  the  return  of  your  health  ? 
We  do  not  require  of  you  the  zeal  and  the  courage 
of  the  first  Ministers  of  the  Gospel,  who  consider- 
ed death,  to  which  they  were  every  day  exposed, 
as  the  greatest  gain,  and  the  highest  reward  they 
could  receive  for  their  labors.  It  is  now,  as  it 
was  at  the  commencement,  and  will  continue  to 
the  end,  that  it  is  not  for  ourselves  that  we  are 
Pastors,  but  for  the  souls  committed  to  oui" 
charge  :  upon  this  fundamental  truth  is  the  sa- 
cred ministry  established  :  to  those  souls,  over 
whom  the  Church  has  made  us  overseers,  we 
owe,  not  only  our  solicitude,  our  strength,  our 
talents,  but  our  very  life  ;  and  although,  in  or- 
der to  discharge  so  sacred  and  honourable  an 
obligation,  we  should  exhaust  our  strength,  ought 


19: 


we  to  regret  a  loss,  productive  of  such  advantage 
to  others,  and  of  such  glory  to  ourselves*  ?  Would 
not  the  weakness  and  infirmity  which  might  arise 
from  our  labours,  and  from  an  attachment  to  our 
duty,  abound  with  more  consolation,  and  fill  us 
with  greater  satisfaction,  than  a  life  prolonged  to 
old  age,  passed  in  indolence,  and  consumed  in  va- 
nity ?  And  should  our  days  be  often  shortened, 
ought  we  not  to  rejoice  at  having  changed  them 
for  days  of  happiness  which  will  never  end  t  ? 

*  I  need  not  remind  the  reader,  that  these  are  the  senti- 
ments, not  of  a  Protestant,  but  of  a  Catholic  Prelate. 

t  An  unhappy  prejudice  prevails  among  the  Members  of 
our  Church,  which  is,  that  if,  upon  their  death-bed,  a  Clei'gy- 
man  prays  with  them,  and  administers  to  them  the  Holy  Sa- 
crament, however  wicked  may  have  been  their  lives,  they  may 
die  in  the  hope  of  salvation.  It  is,  I  believe,  owing  to  this  un- 
fortunate, I  had  almost  said,  this  fatal  prepossession,  that  so 
very  many  defer  to  "  repent  and  amend,'*  and  communicate 
worthily  ;  appeasing  remorse,  and  suppressing  alarm,  with  the 
deceitful  persuasion,  that,  by  joining  with  their  Minister  in 
prayer,  and  receiving,  at  his  hands,  the  consecrated  elements, 
when  they  shall  not  have  an  opportunity  of  relapsing  into  sin, 
their  peace  will  be  made  with  God.  May  it  be  the  earnest 
and  successful  endeavour  of  every  Minister  of  the  Gospel  to 
warn  his  hearers  against  so  dangerous  a  delusion  ! 


CHARGE  XIII. 

THE  PERNICIOTS  EFFECTS  OF  AVARICE  IN 
THE  CLERGY. 


The  love  of  money  is  the  root  of  all  eviL 


195 


CHARGE  XIIL 

THE  PERNICIOUS  EFFECTS  OF  AVARICE  IN  THE 
CLERGY. 


IT  may  at  first  sight  seem  improper  to  expati- 
ate on  the  revenues  of  the  Church,  before  an  as- 
sembly of  Clergymen,  whose  ecclesiastical  incomes 
are  little  more  than  adequate  to  their  support. 
The  mediocrity  which  is  your  lot,  exempts  you, 
in  your  judgment,  from  the  suspicion  of  misapply- 
ing the  patrimony  consecrated  to  the  service  of 
the  Church  ;  you  mistake  ;  this  mediocrity  ought 
to  render  every  misapplication  less  common ; 
whereas  it  often  occasions  the  abuse,  and  is,  in 
your  eyes,  a  justification  of  it.  The  abundance 
does  not  produce  the  fault ;  it  is  in  the  manner 
of  acqviiring,  and  of  possessing  it  when  acquired; 
the  danger  does  not  always  consist  in  your  reve- 
nues being  great  or  small,  but  in  the  rapacity  and 
unfeeling  manner  in  which  you  exact  them — in 
the  attachment  to,  and  sordid  use  you  make  of 
them*. 

*  "  A  due  Measure  of  Disinterestedness  is  one  Requisite 
for  the  Success  of  a  Clergyman's  Labours.  You  will  there- 
fore avoid  all  mean  Attention  to  small  Matters.  You  will  be 
very  tender  in  your  Demands  upon  the  Poor,  and  very  equi- 


196 


It  might  be  hoped,  that  no  rapacity  could  well 
be  exercised,  in  collecting  the  revenues  of  the 
Church :  but  this,  unhappily,  not  being  the  case, 
we  are  to  remember  what  the  Apostle  exacts,  as 
the  very  first  principle  of  the  Ministers  of  the 
Gospel — that  they  leave  no  room  to  suspect  they 
are  '*  given  to  filthy  lucre."  Our  whole  minis- 
try is  a  ministry  of  charity,  of  disinterestedness,  of 
edification  :  what  a  character,  then,  for  a  Pastor 
to  sell,  hardly  and  rigorously,  his  services  to  his 
children — to  be  a  severe  and  inexorable  extor- 
tioner, unconcerned  about  the  ruin  or  the  salvation, 
of  his  flock,  and  solely  occupied  in  the  temporal 
advantages,  which  he  shamefully  derives  from  it  I 
Are  the  instructions  of  a  Pastor  of  this  character, 
without  fruit?  Do  they  *'  return  unto  him  void?" 
— He  feels  no  uneasiness.  Is  his  whole  life  pas- 
sed, w^ithout  having  established  the  principles  of 
Christianity  in  the  heart,  and  produced  the  efiects 
of  it,  in  the  conduct,  of  one  single  hearer  ? — His 
indifference  leaves  him  without  apprehension  for 
the  event.  He  does  not  lament  the  inutility  of 
his  labours :  he  does  not,  as  he  ought,  view  it 
with  sorrow,   and   contemplate    it   with    horror ; 

table  towards  the  Rich  ;  though  you  will  conscientiously  pre- 
serve all  the  material  rights,  with  which  you  are  entrusted  for 
your  successors.  If  you  find  room  and  reason  to  improve  your 
income,  you  will  prove  that  no  wrong  motive  induces  you  to 
it,  by  going  as  far  as  ever  you  are  able  in  acts  of  good  natured, 
and  especially  of  pious,  liberality.  For  nothing  gives  greater 
or  juster  offence,  than  to  see  a  clergyman  intent  upon  hoarding, 
or  luxurious,  or  splendid,  instead  of  being  charitable." — Abp 
Secker. 


197 

but,  let  his  services  not  bring  him  the  vile  and  ab- 
ject recompense,  that  he  expected  for  them,  his 
uneasiness  is  expressed  on  every  occasion  ;  he 
considers  his  diligence  thrown  away,  and  begins  to 
experience  the  chagrin,  of  being  an  useless  work- 
man. The  dignity  of  our  ministry,  I  feel,  blushes 
at  such  a  charge  being  brought  against  a  labourer 
in  the  Lord's  vineyard ;  and,  it  is  not  without 
reluctance,  that,  before  an  assembly  so  respectable 
as  that  which  I  am  now  addressing,  I  introduce  so 
unpleasing  a  subject.  But  with  whom  can  I 
lament  over  such  abuses,  but  with  you,  my  Breth- 
ren, who  are  not  unacquainted  with  them  ?  Were 
these  concerns,  like  many  others,  concealed  in  the 
bosom  of  the  sanctuary,  we  might  dissemble  them  ; 
but  by  this  mercenary  rapacity,  which  is  circum- 
scribed by  no  bounds  of  decency  or  moderation, 
the  Pastor  becomes  odious  and  contemptible  to 
his  flock,  and  Religion,  in  the  judgment  of  a  gross 
and  ignorant  people,  a  sordid  gain,  a  dishonour- 
able traffic*. 

*  I  once  heard  a  distinguished  Prelate,  prove  the  utility  of 
tythes  to  the  farmer,  when  paid,  not  to  the  Impropriator,  (who, 
however  wealthy,  is  said  to  be  invariably  rigorous)  but  to  the 
Parson.  The  Rector,  in  general,  does  not  demand  more  than 
half  the  real  value  of  the  tythe  :  the  landlord,  if  the  laud  be 
tythe  free,  lets  his  farm  at  a  rent,  considerably  above  what 
the  farmer  would  pay  to  the  Clergyman,  in  lieu  of  tythes;  so 
that  the  farmer  gains  the  difference,  of  what  he  does  not  pay  to 
the  Clergyman,  and  of  what  he  would  pay  to  the  landlord. 
But  this  reasoning  is  upon  the  supposition,  that  every  Clergy- 
man is  very  moderate  in  his  demands.     That  this  is  a  promi- 


198 


I  well  know,  that  such  a  want  of  principle,  and 
such  an  absence  of  Religion,  pervade  many  people, 
that  they  would  deprive  you  of  your  just  rights  :  but 
let  me  observe,  that  there  are  very  many  Clergy* 
man,  who,  by  their  zeal,  their  piety,  their  disin- 
terestedness, are,  in  the  estimation  of  their  parish, 

nent  feature  in  the  character  of  the  British  Clergy,  almost 
every  farmer,  who  compounds  for  his  tythes,  proclaims  with 
satisfaction,  and  acknowledges,  with  gratitude.  But,  among 
so  many  beneficed  Clergyman,  it  is  to  be  expected,  that  a  few 
individuals,  some  compelled  by  necessity,  and  others,  actuated 
by  avarice,  will  either  claim,  nearly  the  value,  or  receive  their 
tythes  m  kind :  in  which  case,  not  only  the  advantages,  accru- 
ing from  the  payment  of  tythes,  to  the  farmer,  are,  during  such 
incumbency,  suspended,  but  quarrels  and  litigations  often  en- 
sue, always  pernicious  to  the  interests  of  Religion,  and  to  the 
stability  of  the  Church.  To  adopt  any  mode  of  compensation, 
whereby,  at  once,  to  satisfy  the  clamorous,  to  preserve  to  the 
Clergy  their  legitimate  rights,  and  to  render  the  ministry  use- 
ful, as  it  ought  to  be,  has  hitherto  baffled  the  wisdom  of  the 
wise,  and  overturned  the  plans  of  the  speculative. 

It  may  not  be  thought  improper  to  add,  that  where  the 
great  Tythes  are  in  the  hands  of  a  Layman,  and  there  is  a  ne- 
cessity for  the  services  of  two  Clergymen,  arising  either  from 
laborious  duty— a  Chapel  attached  to  the  Mother-Church,  at 
the  latter  of  which  tliere  is  service  twice  in  the  day — or  from 
any  other  cause — that  the  Impropriator,  if  he  has  both  the 
Vicarial  and  Rectorial  Tythes,  ought,  in  justice,  to  discharge 
the  whole  ;  if  only  the  latter,  the  half,  of  the  Curate's  stipend. 
The  Legislature  intended,  no  doubt,  to  do  justice  to  the  Cu- 
rates ;  but  the  great  Tythes  having,  originally,  belonged  to 
the  Church, — if  the  Legislature  felt  themselves  warranted  to 
alienate  a  part  of  the  Vicar's  pittance — would  it  have  been 
other  than  retributive  justice  to  have  bound  the  Impropriator 
under  the  same  obligation  ?  This  subject  will,  I  trust,  soon  be 
illustrated  and  enforced  by  abler  pens. 


199 


most  valuable  Ministers,  and  who,  far  from  going 
to  the  extent  of  their  claims,  know  how  to  abate  of 
their  legal  demands,  and  to  compassionate  the 
wants  of  their  parishioners,  on  occasions  where 
charity  and  humanity  demand  it  of  them.  There 
have  been  instances,  however,  where  some  have 
refused  to  pay  to  their  Pastor,  the  rights  attached 
to  his  office,  being  first  irritated  by  the  rapacity  of 
the  Pastor  himself,  whose  claims  have  been  vuirea- 
sonable,  and  his  demands  oppressive.  It  may  in- 
deed, generally,  be  said,  that  the  altercations 
which  happen  in  parishes,  between  the  Pastor  and 
his  flock,  are  confined  to  those  Clergymen,  who, 
in  their  conduct,  are  neither  the  most  edifying, 
the  most  charitable,  nor  the  most  exemplary,  in 
the  diocese. 

Such  is  the  first  abuse  I  had  to  mention — the  ri- 
gour in  exacting  your  revenues  :  the  second  is,  an 
imposing  avarice,  which,  after  having  been  so 
strict  in  the  exaction,  refuses  them  towards  the 
support  of  those  who  are  in  distress. 

You  know,  my  Brethren,  and  melancholy  ex- 
perience confirms  the  observation  every  day,  that 
the  Clergy,  the  most  severe,  and  the  most  rapa- 
cious, in  claiming  their  rights,  often  live  w^ith 
the  greatest  meanness.  Were  those  Pastors, 
who  are  so  avaricious,  charitable  to  their  neigh- 
bours, their  conduct  w^ould,  in  this,  at  least, 
be  worthy  of  our  admiration,  and  entitled  to  our 
applause :  but  a  mean  and  contemptible  avarice 


200 


renders  them  still  harder,  and  more  insensible,  to 
the  wants  of  the  poor,  whom  they  have  daily  be- 
fore their  eyes. 

This  vice  seems  to  be  a  curse  attached  to  the 
priesthood  ;  and,  to  what  disgrace  does  it  not  sub- 
ject the  dignity  of  our  holy  calling  ?  We  see  Cler- 
gymen defile  their  characters,  with  the  lowest  and 
most  ignominious  occupations ;  running  every 
where;  more  skilled  in  making  a  bargain  than 
other  men  ;  leaving  their  Churches,  suftering  the 
souls  entrusted  to  them  to  perish,  that  they  may 
not  lose  an  opportunity  of  gain  ;  and  appearing  of- 
ten at  public  meetings,  in  an  unseemly  and  un- 
clerical  garb,  and  authorizing,  by  their  intemper- 
ance, drunkenness,  and  revellings,  so  common  in 
such  *  places.  At  this  I  am  not  surprised  :  an 
avaricious  and  mercenary  Pastor  is  capable  of  any 
thing  :  every  good  principle  is  suppressed ;  e very- 
feeling  that  is  honourable  to  human  nature  is  ex- 
tinct in  his  bosom ;  charity,  religion,  even  deco- 
rum, and  the  respect  that  he  owes  to' his  situation: 

*  Is  it  not  exceedingly  to  be  lamented  that  the  Clerical  Bills 
lately  passed,  which  afford  universal  satisfaction,  did  not  pro- 
hibit Incumbents  from  acting  as  agents  to  men  of  fortune  ?  I 
know  nothing  more  disreputable  in  itself,  nor  more  injurious 
to  the  cause  of  religion,  than  the  custom  now,  unhappily  too 
prevalent,  of  Clergymen  attending  fairs  and  markets,  to  buy 
and  sell  stock  for  gentlemen,  whose  servants  they,  virtually, 
become  ;  estimating  the  value,  and  raising  the  rents,  of  farms  ; 
superintending  Avorkmen,  8cc.  8cc.  thereby  debasing  their  cler- 
ifcal  character,  and  casting  an  indelible  stain  upon  the  Church. 


201 

he  is  possessed  of  an  inherent  meanness,  incapa- 
ble of  any  of  those  noble  sentiments,  suggested  by 
the  duties,  and  enforced  by  the  reverence,  of  the 
priesthood.  When  he  is  called  into  another  scene 
of  existence,  he  leaves  scandal  and  derision  in  the 
public  mind,  mortification  and  sorrow  in  the  hearts 
of  all  those,  to  whom  are  entrusted  the  interests 
of  tiie  Church,  and  the  honour  of  Religion. — 
"  They  that  will  be  rich,"  says  the  Apostle,  "  fall 
*'  into  temptation  and  a  snare,  and  into  many  fool- 
**  ish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which  drown  men  in  des- 
^'  truction  and  perdition.  For  the  love  of  money 
**  is  the  root  of  all  evil :  which,  while  some 
"  have  coveted  after,  they  have  erred  from 
"  the  faith,  and  pierced  themselves  through  with 
"^  many  sorrows.  But  thou,  O  man  of  God,  flee 
*'  these  things  ;  and  direct  thy  endeavours  to  "  fol- 
*'  low  after  righteousness,  godliness,  faith,  love, 
"  patience,  meekness.  Fight  the  good  fight  of 
"  faith  ;  lay  hold  on  eternal  life." 

As  to  you,  my  Brethren,  who  are  the  support, 
and  the  whole  consolation  of  my  Episcopate  ;  you 
who  know,  that  the  Church  hath  not  ordained 
Ministers  for  themselves,  but  in  order  to  be  "  men 
*'  of  God,"  to  whose  exertions,  the  advancement 
of  his  glory,  and  the  preservation  of  his  interests, 
are  committed,  among  mankind  ;  do  you  continue 
to  shun  these  abuses,  so  full  of  afiliction  to  the 
Church,  and  of  reproach  to  its  Ministers.  *'  Fol- 
^'  low  after  righteousness,  godliness,  faith,  love, 
*'  patience,  meekness."    Continue  to  give  to  your 


202 

people  examples  of  exemplary  conduct,  and  of 
evangelical  righteousness  :  let  them  learn,  from 
your  disinterestedness,  how  much  they  ought  to 
detach  themselves  from  the  goods  of  this  life. 
Remember,  that  '*  godliness  is  great  gain" — that 
a  religious  Pastor,  who  possesses  the  love  and 
confidence  of  his  people,  possesses  every  thing, 
and  wants  nothing  ;*  and  that  his  rights  are  incon- 
trovertibly  ascertained,  seeing  they  are  founded 
on  the  affection  and  respect  of  his  parishioners. 
By  invariably  appearing,  yourselves,  always  to  va- 
lue and  reverence,  whatever  has  any  relation  to 
Religion  and  Salvation,  you  will  induce  your  flock 
to  cultivate  faith,  and  practise  Religion :  know 
then,  no  greater  gain  than  that  of  the  souls  who 
are  entrusted  to  you ;  and  let  their  salvation  be 
a  recompense,  of  all  others,  the  most  honourable, 
the  most  consolatory,  and  the  most  desirable  of 
your  labours.  Be  tender-hearted,  and  charitable 
towards  them  :  suffer  with  them  that  suffer,  and 
weep  with  them  that  weep  :  be  the  common  fa- 
ther of  your  people  ;  ever  ready  to  succour  them, 
in  the  day  of  necessity :  charity  makes  no  ex- 
ceptions and  remember,  that  whatever  you  have, 
and  whatever  you  are — you  are  all  for  them. 
Do  not  be  discouraged  by  an  apprehension, 
that  the  solicitude  you  feel,  and  the  discourses 
you  deliver,  to  your  hearers,  are  in  vain;    God 

*  The  reader  will  recollect,  that  these  Discourses  were  ad- 
dressed to  a  body  of  men,  who  were  forbidden  the  domestic 
comforts,  so  wisely  permitted  to  the  Protestant  Clergy. 


203 


does  not  always  recompense  the  Pastor,  by  the 
instant  and  visible  reformation  of  the  flock  ;  make 
a  choice  selection  of  the  holy  seed,  sow  it  with 
care,  water  it  with  diligence  :  He,  *'  who  gives  the 
*'  increase,"  will  know  how  to  make  it  fruitful, 
in  his  own  good  time.  Lastly,  let  not  the  faults 
and  misconceptions  of  the  people  committed  to  our 
care,  jU:=tify  our  warmth  of  temper,  and  deprive 
us  of  that  mildness  and  gentleness,  in  our  carriage 
towards  them,  which  are  so  becoming  the  sacred 
ministry  ;  let  our  engaging  behaviour,  uniformly 
shewed  towards  them,  be  an  indication  of  the  af- 
fections of  our  heart :  zeal  which  exasperates,  and 
which  excites  to  revolt,  those  whom  it  censures,  is 
the  zeal  of  man,  it  is  not  the  zeal  of  God :  we  must 
gain  their  hearts,  if  we  would  render  them  atten- 
tive to  our  instructions ;  severe  manners,  rather 
indicate  our  dispositions,  than  tend  to  correct 
theirs.  Not  humour,  rudeness,  passion — No  !  it 
w^as  charity,  as  described  by  the  Apostle,  which 
established  truth  upon  earth ;  our  Lord  sent  not 
lions,  but  lambs,  to  preach  it :  their  mildness,  and 
their  sufferings,  promoted  the  work  of  the  Gospel; 
and  by  these  means  must  their  successors  continue 
to  spread  it  among  men  :  by  following  this  advice, 
concludes  the  apostle — ''  You  will  not  only  save 
''  yourselves,  but  those  that  hear  you." 


CHARGE  XIV. 

ON  MILDNESS  AND  GENTLENESS; 

Me  patient  towards  all  men. 


205 
CHARGE  XIV. 

ON  MILDNESS  AND  GENTLENESS. 


I  SHALL  request  your  attention,  whilst  I  this 
day  expatiate  on  a  subject  interesting  to  every 
Clergyman — the  mildness  of  temper,  which,  if  he 
be  solicitous  for  the  success  of  liis  ministry,  he 
will  invariably  shew  to  the  people  committed  to  his 
charge,  in  his  intercourse  with  them. 

From  the  time  we  are  Fathers  and  Pastors  of  the 
flock,  mildness,  tenderness,  affection,  should,  with- 
out question,  constitute  the  reigning  principle  of 
our  character.  It  is,  notwithstanding,  but  too 
true,  that  we  often  substitute  a  wayward  humour, 
a  false  zeal,  a  spirit  of  dominion,  for  that  engag- 
ing affection  which  should  entirely  influence  our 
heart,  and  direct  our  conduct,  as  the  only  way, 
whereby  we  can  become  useful  in  our  calling. 
My  design  is,  as  I  have  already  intimated,  to  re- 
commend mildness  of  temper,  and  gentleness  of 
carriage,  in  your  behaviour  and  intercourse  with 
your  parishioners. 

Humour  often  predominates.  If,  when  we  wer^ 
ordained  to  the  sacred  ministry,  a  change  had  been 

2  a 


206 

|)roduced  in  our  mind,  as  well  as  in  our  situation ; 
if  our  sentiments  derived  the  same  elevation  as  our 
ciiaracter ;  if  the  Holy  Spirit,  when  we  received 
imposition  of  hands,  suggested  our  principles,  re- 
gulated our  morals,  and  repressed  our  inclinations, 
it  would  be  useless  to  recommend  to  you  a  virtue, 
which  would  be  inherent  in  us  :  but,  unhappily, 
we  carry  into  this  holy  state,  all  the  defects  of  our 
birth  and  education ;  the  sacred  character  which 
constitutes  the  Pastor,  makes  no  change  in  that 
which  has  formed  the  man  ;  and  a  Clergyman, 
born  with  an  ungracious,  overbearing,  haughty 
spirit,  when  appointed  to  a  parish,  far  from  finding 
in  himself,  the  new  quality  of  a  Father  and  a  Pastor, 
to  operate  as  a  restraint  on  his  inclinations,  and 
to  become  a  powerful  motive  to  mildness  and  gentle- 
ness, finds  only  new  occasions  of  pride,  caprice, 
and  passion.  Hence,  so  many  complaints  of  the 
violence,  and  haughtiness  of  the  Clergy.  Actu- 
ated by  such  principles,  what  good  can  a  Preacher 
of  the  Gospel  expect  to  do  in  his  parish,  when 
the  manners  of  its  inhabitants,  are,  it  is  probable, 
uncultivated  and  almost  barbarous  ?  He  will  be 
disgusted  with  the  brutality  of  his  parishioners; 
and  they,  in  their  turn,  will  despise  him,  for  the 
severe  and  haughty  spirit,  which  they  perceive  in 
him  :  his  ministry  will  be  a  perpetual  scene  of 
trouble  and  vexation  ;  his  temper  will  even  pro- 
fane the  sanctity  of  the  word  ;  his  discourses 
will  be  considered  as  public  invectives  against 
his  hearers  ;  and  the  Gospel,  which  breathes  only 
peace  and  reconciliation,   will  be,  in  his  mouth, 


207 


no  other  than  a  display  of  dissention  aiid  hostility  : 
these  are  not  mere  conjectures  ;  the  complaints 
which  are  frequently  made,  confirm  our  just  ap- 
prehensions. 

We,  who  are  Fathers,  are  to  bear  with  the 
perverseness  of  children  :  a  Pastor,  who  has  not 
reduced  his  spirit  to  this  submission,  will  never 
be  useful.  His  mildness  and  gentleness,  I  allov/, 
are  often  put  to  severe  trials  :  a  gross  and  ignorant 
people,  do  not  always  consider,  what  is  proper 
and  becoming.  Then  it  is,  that  we  are  to  oppose 
a  paternal  complacency  to  their  rudeness,  and  to 
restrain  and  soften  them,  by  our  conciliating  ad- 
dress, and  engaging  demeanor.  It  would  be  use- 
less, as  St.  Paul  recommends,  more  especially,  to 
ns,  to  '^  be  patient  towards  all  men,"  if  we  no  v/here 
had  occasion  for  the  exercise  of  "  a  meek  spirit." 
The  reason  we  give  way  to  impatience  is,  that,  as 
we  are  exposed,  perpetually,  to  the  rustic  and 
importunate  manners  of  our  parishioners,  we  do 
not  consider,  that  they  only  make  use  of  their 
privilege,  in  their  applications  to  us:  injudicious 
they  may  be,  in  not  consulting  propriety,  but 
still,  we  cannot  plead  an  excuse  for  not  hearing 
them  :  their  indiscretions  may,  occasionally,  try 
our  temper,  but  they  do  not  lessen  our  obligations. 
Thus,  the  grosser  and  more  untoward  our  people 
are,  the  more  are  patience  and  gentleness,  neces- 
sary in  a  Pastor,  to  restrain  them.  Notwithstand- 
ing all  their  rudeness,  a  single  word,  uttered  with 
mildness,  calms  them  :  impatience  and  warmth  do 


208' 


not  corregt  their  faults  ;  they  only  expose  ours  : 
they  do  not  shelter  us  from  their  importunities, 
but  they  make  us  lose  their  love,  and  forfeit  their 
confidence. 

A  Pastor,  concerned  for  the  welfare  of  the  souls 
committed  to  his  charge,  will  see  it  to  be  his 
bounden  duty,  to  sacrifice  his  natural  impetuosity 
of  temper,  in  order  to  attach  them  to  him,  and  to 
open  for  his  instructions,  a  way  to  their  hearts. 
The  first  Ministers  of  the  Church,  were  sent  as 
lambs  in  the  midst  of  wolves  ;  and  the  mildness 
and  gentleness  of  the  one,  subdued  the  fierceness 
and  violence  of  the  other.  We  have  succeeded 
to  their  mission,  as  well  as  to  their  ministry  ;  we 
are  sent  in  their  place,  as  lambs  among  wolves. 
Had  we,  like  our  holy  predecessors,  to  dread  their 
barbarity — were  the  most  cruel  torments  the  only 
reward  we  could  promise  ourselves,  for  our  inde- 
fatigable labours,  and  unremitted  zeal,  we  must 
either  renounce  Christ  and  the  ministry,  or  resolve 
to  attack  them,  until  we  had  overcome  their  out- 
rageous passions,  and  subdued  their  unruly  wills. 
What  !  can  we,  my  Brethren,  be  considered  excu- 
sable, by  losing,  on  slight  provocations,  the  com- 
mand of  ourselves,  inseparable  from  a  right  dis- 
charge of  the  Christian  ministry  ?  Alas  !  we  act 
upon  a  wrong  principle — we  are  accustomed,  to 
demand  to  our  person,  the  respect  which  is  due  to 
our  calling  :  we  esteem  ourselves  as  superiors,  and 
not  as  servants  and  Ministers. 


209 

A  second  fault  attendant  upon  our  ministry  is, 
a  spirit  of  dominion,  than  which  nothing  is  more 
opposite  to  that  humility  which  ought  to  accompa- 
ny us,  in  every  rainistei  ial  function.  The  princes 
of  this  world,  as  our  Saviour  observed  to  his  dis- 
ciples, exercise  with  rigour,  the  authority  they 
have  over  their  subjects  :  pride,  haughtiness,  and 
splendour,  constitute  their  dignity  ;  gentleness, 
humility,  modesty,  shall  be  the  distinguishing  or- 
naments of  yours  ;  they  consider  themselves  as 
lords  over  vassals  ;  you  shaii  be,  in  your  own  eyes, 
as  servants  and  brethren.  Can  the  situation, 
which,  in  committing  souls  to  our  care,  renders 
us  bound  to  all,  and  responsible  for  all,  inspire  us 
with  pride,  and  exalt  us  with  haughtiness  ?  What 
is  there  to  swell  the  heart  in  offices,  the  chief  ad- 
vantage of  which  is,  to  impose  on  us  many  la- 
bours, and  to  exact  a  correct,  and  conscientious, 
disciiarge  of  them  ? 

Notwithstanding,  under  the  pretence  of  support- 
ing the  honours  and  aiithority  of  this  ministry,  we 
are  inexorable  to  the  most  trifling  offences,  which 
seem  to  derogate  from  it  ;  we  exact  respect  and 
deference,  not  so  much  to  ensure  reverence  for 
Religion,  as  consequence  to  ourselves  ;  the  smal- 
lest infringement  made  upon  our  rights,  alienates 
our  affections,  and  sinks  deep  into  our  minds  ;  wc 
make  of  authority,  a  yoke  which  oppresses  the 
souls,  whose  charge  we  have  undertaken,  and  not  a 
support,  designed  for  their  comfort :  w^e  forget  that 
our  revenues  are  entitled  to  our  estimation,  only 


215 


in  proportion  as  they  afford  us  an  opportunity  of 
being  serviceable ;  that  they  have  been  entrusted 
to  us  only,  to  facilitate  the  success  of  our  labours, 
and  not  to  be  an  obstacle  to  them  ;  to  attract  more 
reverence  for  Religion,  and  not  more  dignity  to 
our  station;  to  render  our  virtuous  examples  more 
public,  and  more  beneficial,  and  not  our  authority 
more  burdensome  and  intolerable.  Mankind  are 
but  too  much  disposed  to  look  with  jealous  eyes, 
on  the  temporal  advantages,  of  which  some  of  the 
Clergy  are  possessed;  and  from  the  moment  that 
they  doubt  the  existence  of  virtue  and  Religion, 
in  our  hearts,  they  doubt  the  validity  of  our  title 
to  our  revenues  :  the  more  exact  and  rigid  we  are 
in  the  improvement  of  them,  the  more  disputable 
does  our  right  appear ;  the  more  severe  we  are, 
the  more  do  our  parishioners  withstand  us;  and 
when,  at  length,  we  have  recourse  to  the  support 
of  the  law,  let  us  contrast  our  gain  of  money, 
with  the  loss  of  their  affections,  and  of  their  confi- 
dence. Is  this  to  honour  our  ministry,  or  to 
make  it  useless. 

But  it  is  our  duty,  you  say,  to  support  the  rights 
of  the  Church.  Yes.  Let  us  support  them,  by  the 
superiority  of  our  virtues  :  it  is  not  for  ourselves 
that  we  are  Ministers,  it  is  for  the  people  at  large ; 
let  us  devote  ourselves  to  them,  without  reserve, 
without  interest,  without  any  other  view  than  that 
of  their  salvation  :  let  this  motive  alone  lessen  our 
pains,  and  recompense  our  labours  :  let  us  be  weak 
with  the  weak  ;  let  us  weep  with  them  that  weep ; 


211 

let  us  extend  our  hand  to  them  that  are  falling  ; 
let  us  bear  with  them  that  resist,  and,  by  our 
patience,  conquer  their  obstinacy  ;  let  us,  in  one 
word,  "  become  all  things  to  all  men."  There 
is  in  a  worthy  Pastor,  an  engaging  modesty,  a 
paternal  disinterestedness,  which  impress  more  ve- 
neration, and  afford  greater  security  to  his  rights, 
than  all  the  eagerness  and  vigilance  which  a  worldly 
Minister  can  exert  in  the  support  of  them. 

We  allow,  you  observe,  that  a  Clergyman,  liv- 
ing under  the  influence  of  disgusting  pride,  or 
ungovernable  passion,  cannot  preserve  that  pas- 
toral gentleness  which  is  so  necessary  to  attract 
the  love,  and  ensure  the  confidence,  of  his  parish  ; 
but  how  shall  he  correct  the  disorders  which  are 
prevalent  in  it,  if  he  does  not  discover  a  zeal,  which 
may  seem  almost  incompatible  with  the  mildness 
now  recommended? 

You  cannot  countenance  irregularities — you  are 
right ;  but  often  in  shewing  a  disposition  to  cor- 
rect them,  we  provoke  and  exasperate  the  objects 
of  our  reproof :  some  Clergyman  speak  to  their 
parishioners  with  the  haughtiness  of  a  superior, 
and  not  with  the  tenderness  of  a  father.  Charity, 
indeed,  which  is  the  parent  of  zeal,  never  faileth  ; 
it  does  not  propose  the  ostentation  of  authority, 
but  the  amendment  of  the  transgressor.  If  we 
appear  to  seek  an  occasion  of  indiscriminately  cen- 
suring our  flock,  they  will  look  upon  us  rather  as 
hostile  to  their  persons,  than  displeased  at   their 


212 


bftences.  Let  us  remember  that  our  Blessed 
Master  passed  for  the  friend  of  sinners,  by  the 
divine  mildness  with  which  he  received  them,  by 
the  holy  familiarity  with  which  he  honoured  them, 
by  the  joy  with  which  he  assured  them,  that  the 
conversion  of  a  single  individual  was  a  subject 
of  congratulation  and  joy  to  the  angels  in  Heaven. 
Let  us  call  to  mind  his  tears  over  unbelieving  Je- 
rusalem :  He  more  frequeniiy  wept  over  the  sins  of 
the  people,  than  aggravated  them  by  his  reproach- 
es :  his  prayers  for  them  always  prepared  success 
for  his  instructions  :  Let  us,  my  Brethren,  mourn 
and  humble  ourselves  before  God  :  Let  us  increase 
our  prayers,  in  proportion  as  the  sins  of  our  con- 
gregations are  increased  ;  and,  instead  of  suffer- 
ing our  affections  to  be  alienated  fiom  them, 
through  their  obstinacy,  let  us  strive  to  make  our 
vigilance  more  persuasive,  and  our  zeal  more 
engaging. 

I  would  not  be  understood,  by  recommending 
to  you  mildness  and  gentleness,  in  the  exercise  of 
the  Ministry,  to  authorise  indolence  and  insensi- 
bility, in  a  Pastor,  in  the  midst  of  the  degeneracy 
of  his  flock  :  the  good  temper  required  of  a 
Clergyman,  is  not  without  bowels  of  compassion 
for  sinners  ;  but  he  is  full  of  indignation  at  their 
vices.  A  Minister,  whom  the  profligacy  of  his  pa- 
rish, of  which  he  is  a  witness,  does  not  affect,  does 
not  interest,  and  who  sanctions  it  by  his  silence,  is 
not  kind  and  compassionate  ;  he  is  no  better  than 
an  idol,  which  hath  eyes,  and  sees  not,  a  tongue. 


213 


and  speaks  not,  an  heart  which  does  not  feel.  God 
forbid  that  his  inattention  to  the  profligacy  of  his 
people  should  proceed  from  a  desire  that  they 
should  shew  the  same  to  himself  !  No,  my  Bre- 
thren, a  Pastor  who  sees,  with  indifference,  the 
depraved  morals  of  his  parishioners,  is  either 
without  religious  principle,  or  is  himself  as  de- 
praved as  the  sinners,  at  whose  profligacy  he  cour 
nives. 

Not  one  of  such  a  character,  I  persuade  myself^ 
will  be  found  in  this  assembly  ;  but  there  is  another 
sort  of  mildness,  and  gentleness  in  a  Minister,  less 
odious,  it  is  true,  though  perhaps,  not  less  danger- 
ous :  there  are  Pastors,  who  are  inactive,  more  stu- 
dious of  their  own  quiet,  than  interested  in  the  sal- 
vation of  the  souls  committed  to  them  :  they  con- 
nive at  every  thing,  in  order  that  they  may  not 
irritate  the  minds,  and  alienate  the  hearts,  of  their 
parishioners  from  themselves  :  in  a  word,  in  order 
that  they  may  enjoy,  with  more  ease,  and  less  inter- 
ruption, a  situation,  the  vigilance  and  exactness 
essential  to  the  proper  discharge  of  which,  might 
have  disturbed  their  repose.  Now,  this  is  not  the 
evangelical  gentleness  of  which  every  Pastor  ought 
to  be  possessed  ;  it  is  the  indolence  of  an  hireling. 
And  what  can  be  more  reproachful  to  a  Minister  of 
the  Gospel,  than  to  be  esteemed  and  beloved  by  a 
degenerate  people,  by  whom  his  saviour  is  hated „ 
or  forgotton,or  despised?  What  can  be  the  advan- 
tage of  pleasing  men,  if  he  have  the  misfortune  to 
displease  God  ?  If  God  condemns,  can  men  justify, 

2  B 


^14 

liini  ?  Besides,  does  he  not  know  that  it  is  not  pos- 
sible to  please  men — if,  in  so  doing,  he  is  to  neglect 
his  duty — and  to  be  the  servant  of  Jesus  Christ  ? 
Whoever,  in  such  a  way,  expects  to  conciliate  the 
love  of  his  people,  forfeits  it :  the  more  desirous 
they  perceive  us  to  be  of  pleasing  them,  through 
the  fear  of  censuring  negligence,  and  reproving 
immorality,  the  less  do  they  hesitate  to  occasion  us 
chagrin,  and  even  to  treat  us  with  contempt.  Let 
us  not  deceive  ourselves  :  the  rudest  and  most 
ignorant  esteem  us  no  farther  than  as  they  are  con- 
vinced  we  are  possessed  of  upright  principles,  and 
undissembled  virtue.  Aaron  permitted  the  Israel- 
to  make  a  molten  calf,  and  then  to  fall  down  and 
worship  it — what  reward  did  he  obtain  for  his  un- 
w^arranted  indulgence  ?  That  very  people  disputed 
with  him  the  sovereign  priesthood.  We  lose 
more  than  we  gain,  in  the  minds  of  our  hearers, 
w^hen  we  would  conciliate  their  esteem  by  the  sa- 
crifice of  our  duty. 

The  pastoral  tenderness  which  we  should  shew 
for  sinners,  is  mild  and  conciliating-— but  it  is  iK)t 
indulgent  to  their  vices.  Let  the  edification  and 
salvation  of  those  committed  to  our  care  be  our 
only  object,  in  the  accomplishing  of  which  we 
may,  with  propriety,  endeavour  to  please  them : 
let  us  strive  to  become  agreeable,  only,  as  w^e  can 
be  useful:  we  are  not  to  be  judged  by  the  love  and 
affection  men  may  entertain  for  us,  but  by  the  be- 
nefit they  may  have  derived  from  our  Ministry : 
let  us  not  seek  ourselves  in  the  discharge  of  our 


215 

Ministerial  duty,  let  us  seek,  only,  the  interest^  of 
Christ,  and  we  shall,  without  difficuhy,  find,  that 
in  the  proper  exercise  of  our  pastoral  functions,  we 
are  equally  to  avoid  both  the  excess  of  outrageous 
zeal,  and  the  timidity  of  criminal  indulgence. 

Such  is  the  evangelical  gentleness  which  I  re- 
eommend  to  your  observance  ;  every  other,  w^hich 
tends  rather  to  please  sinners,  than  to  lead  them  to 
be  displeased  with  themselves,  and  which,  through 
the  apprehension  of  disturbing  our  own  quiet,  re- 
frains  from  alarming  them  with  a  sense  of  guilt,  is 
not  ''the  wisdom  which  comes  from  above,"  which 
descends  from  the  Father  of  Lights  ;  it  is,  on  the 
contrary,  ''earthly,  sensual,  and  devilish  :"  Where- 
as genuine  pastoral  mildness,  is  distinguished  by 
very  opposite  characters.  First,  it  is  liberal  and 
disinterested.  It  is  not  personal  advantage  which 
brings  it  into  action :  it  seeks  its  repose  and  hap- 
piness only  in  its  duty  ;  the  friendship  of  men  is 
no  otherwise  beloved,  in  its  estimation,  then  as  it 
renders  them  the  friends  of  God. 

It  is,  secondly,  peaceable.  It  is  not  in  encour- 
aging dissipation;  it  is  in  exciting  by  its  remon- 
strances,  a  remorse  in  the  heart,  that  the  true  evan- 
geiical  mildness,  by  which  a  godly  Minister  is  al- 
ways actuated,  brings  real  peace  among  his  flock ; 
his  zeal  alarms  sinners,  but  it  makes  them  angry 
only  with  themselves ;  in  carrying  war  into  the 
heart,  he,  under  such  benign  influence,  introduces 
tranquillity,  and  establishes   comfort  in  families  ;; 


216 


the  sword  of  the  Word  in  his  mouth,  which  pierces 
the  inmost  recesses  of  the  soul,  changes  it  into  an 
habitation  of  peace  and  love  :  his  pacific  gentleness 
calms  all  violent  dissentions,  conciliates  the  en- 
raged mind,  and  teaches  it  the  pardon  of  injuries, 
and  the  delights  of  reconciliation,  by  paying  kind- 
ness, and  accumulating  blessings,  in  return  for 
provocations  and  outrage. 

To  comprise  all  the  characters  of  gentleness  in 
one  reflection  :  this  divine  wisdom  has  bowels 
of  compassion  for  the  miserable  and  wretched. 
Touched  with  their  calamities  and  their  miseries, 
it  reaches  out  to  them  an  helping  hand :  it  does 
not  content  itself  with  weeping  over  them  ;  it  de- 
monstrates its  feelings,  by  its  support  j  it  laments, 
indeed^  that  its  circumscribed  means  are  insufii- 
cient  for  their  wants  :  far  from  exacting,  with  se- 
verity, its  rights,  it  distributes  to  the  needy  of  its 
own  substance  :  thus,  it  every  day  sees  the  fruits 
of  the  ministry  increase,  together  with  those  of 
mercy  and  compassion. 

Meditate  continually,  my  beloved  Brethren,  on 
these  things,  never  lose  sight  of  them  in  the  exer- 
cise of  your  ministry,  in  order  that  the  public  suc- 
cess of  your  labours  may  become  the  glory  of  the 
Church,  and  the  eternal  monuments  of  your  zeal, 
in  your  several  parishes- — in  order  that  both  Min- 
ister and  people  may  enter  together  into  the  joy  of 
their  Lord. 


CHARGE  XV. 

ON  THE  NECESSITY  OF  PRAYER. 
Continuing  instant  in  prayer. 


21V 


CHARGE  XV. 


ON  THE  NECESSITY  OF  PRAYER. 


TO  be  instant  in  prayer  is  not  an  obligation 
peculiar  to  the  sacred  calling.  ^  It  is  the  most  es- 
sential duty  of  Christianity:  every  Christian  is 
expected  to  be  a  man  of  prayer  :  his  views,  his  de- 
sires, his  hopes,  his  conversation,  all,  according  to 
the  Apostle,  are  to  be  in  Heaven  :  every  Christian 
is  a  citizen  of  the  world  to  come  ;  all  the  external 
objects  which  surround  him  here  below,  should 
be,  in  his  estimation,  as  bonds  and  obstacles, 
which,  retarding  his  course,  and  prolonging  his 
pilgrimage,  ought  to  enflame  his  desires  tow^ards 
his  own  country ;  the  seductions  of  the  world,  in- 
nocent as  they  may  appear,  should  all  conspire  to 
warn  him  to  raise,  continually,  his  thoughts  on 
high;  to  send  up  thither  his  sighs  and  prayers  ; 
to  address  himself  ^'  to  the  faithful  and  invisible 
*'  Witness  in  heaven,"  and  to  his  only  Protector, 
from  whom  he  receives  consolation  and  support. 
Every  Christian,  then,  is  a  man  of  prayer  :  and  a: 
Cliristian  who  does  not  pray,  is  without  God,  with- 
out Religion,  without  hope.  This  incontrovertible 
truth  once  established,  is  it  not  our  indispensable 
duty  to  employ  the  most  powerful  arguments,  and 


220 

urge  the  most  persuasive  exhortations,  to  inspire 
our  respective  flocks  with  the  love,  and  devote  them 
to  the  practice,  of  prayer  ? 

But  if  Religion  itself  be,  in  fact,  nothing  more 
than  "  an  holy  worship,"  wliich  we  offer  unto 
God,  to  declare  his  blessings,  and  exalt  his  Ma- 
jesty, or  to  solicit  his  assistance  and  obtain  his 
mercy  ;  if  its  several  ordinances  are  prescribed  to 
make  of  each  of  its  professors  a  man  of  prayer  ;  if, 
as  hath  been  already  observed,  a  Christian,  who 
does  not  pray,  is  without  God,  without  Religion, 
and  without  hope — what  a  monster  must^  Pastor 
be,  a  Minister  of  that  blessed  Religion,  if  he  him- 
self is  not  a  man  of  prayer ;  if  he  does  not  know 
the  use  of  it — that  is  to  say,  if  he  prays  only  with 
his  mouth,  without  attention,  without  any  senti- 
ment of  piety,  and  even  with  so  little  reverence, 
that  his  prayer  is  rather  an  insult  offered  to  God, 
than  the  homage  of  Religion,  paid  to  his  Supreme 
Majesty?  If,  my  Reverend  Brethren,  you  do  not 
feel  this  truth,  how  ought  you,  and  how  ought  I 
myself  to  lament,  in  having  to  address  such  Minis- 
ters, and  such  Pastors,  of  the  Church  ?  In  order 
then,  to  our  mutual  edification,  and  to  animate  us, 
individually,  to  the  practice  of  a  duty  so  consola- 
tory in  the  discharge  of  our  obligations,  and  so 
inseparable  from  them,  I  will  beg  your  attention, 
whilst  I  expatiate  on  the  necessity  and  advantages 
of  frequent  and  devout  prayer. 

Yes,  we  who  are  Ministers,  who  are  Pastors  oi 


the  flock,  we  have  need  continually  of  the  support 
of  prayer.  The  greater  our  intercourse  with  the 
world,  the  more  we  are  exposed  to  its  allurements. 
When  we  appear  in  it,  we  ought  to  appear  clothed 
with  more  virtue,  more  holiness,  than  the  rest  of 
those  among  whom  we  live.  It  is  difficult  to  a 
Minister,  if  the  practice  of  prayer  have  not  esta- 
blished him  stedfast  and  immoveable  in  goodness, 
to  be  incessantly  in  the  midst  of  the  corruption  of 
the  world,  and  not  be  caught  in  its  snares.  He 
carries  thither  an  heart,  void  of  those  profound 
sentiments  of  religion,  which  the  practice  of 
prayer  can  alone  inscribe  upon  it,  and  filled 
with  all  those  ideas,  which  make  the  world  seem 
amiable,  and  which,  in  our  opinion,  justify  the 
abuse  of  it.  And  although  decorum  should  re- 
strain him  within  certain  bounds,  yet,  if  he  is 
influenced  only  by  a  regard  to  men,  and  the  decency 
of  appearance,  which  his  calling  requires,  the 
world  no  longer  respects  him  as  a  Christian  Minis- 
ter, no  longer  perceives  in  him,  the  engaging 
piety,  the  holy  dignity,  which  bespeak  a  Pastor  of 
the  flock. 

But  allowing  that,  in  our  intercourse  with  men, 
we  are  "  defended  from  all  adversity  which  may 
"  happen  to  the  body,  and  from  all  evil  thoughts 
''  which  may  assault  and  hurt  the  soul,"  and  that  a 
sense  of  the  danger  to  which  we  are  exposed,  did 
not  exact  of  us  a  constant  application  to  God  in 
prayer,  which  is,  alone,  capable  of  enabling  us  to 
support  the  dignitv,  and  the  holiness  of  the  minis- 


222 

tfy — is  not  our  consecration  to  the  sanctuary,  a 
state  entirely  consecrated  to  prayer  ?  We  are  the 
mediators  between  God  and  men — the  public  in- 
tercessors, either  to  turn  away  his  wi^ath,  which 
their  sins  perpetually  provoke,  or  to  suspend  the 
scourge,  and  avert  the  calamities,  which  those  sins 
prepare.  They  call  for  our  ministry  and  our  inter- 
cessions ;  they  suppose  us  to  have  an  interest  with 
God,  and  access  to  him  ;  but  what  interest,  what 
access  can  we  have,  if  the  use  of  prayer  have 
never  united  us  to  him  ?  How  shall  we  intercede 
for  them,  if  we  have  not  been  accustomed  to  inter- 
cede for  ourselves?  How  shall  we  be  mediators  be- 
tween God  and  our  flocks,  if  God  knows  us  not ; 
if  the  neglect  of  prayer  has  disqualified  us  from 
representing  to  him,  the  wants  of  his  creatures — 
prayer,  which  possesses  the  power  of  softening  his 
wrath,  and,  of  moving  him  to  compassion,  at  the 
very  moment  when  his  punishments  are  hanging 
over  the  souls  entrusted  to  us  ? 

Although,  in  the  general  course  of  Providence, 
and  in  the  ordinary  distribution  of  his  grace,  God 
attaches  the  salvation  of  the  flock  to  unremitted 
vigilance  in  the  Pastor  :  the  blessing  aw^aiting  his 
labours,  is  dependant  on  his  prayers.  They  are 
the  means  to  be  employed,  to  obtain  for  men  those 
holy  dispositions,  which  render  the  ordinances  of 
the  Gospel  eflicacious  :  not  one  of  the  functions 
which  we  exercise,  ought  to  be  performed  without 
-previous  prayer,  and  a  secret  address  to  the 
Author  and  Source  of  all  the  gifts  and  graces^ 


223 

which  the  Mmister  distributes  in  his  name.  Does 
he  administer  the  Sacrament  of  Baptism,  at  the 
font?  He  should  suppUcate  the  Ahnighty,  that 
that  child,  being  born  again  and  made  regenerate, 
should  die  unto  sin,  and  live  unto  righteousness  ? 
Does  he  attend  his  flock  to  the  Lord's  Table,  and 
distribute  the  sacred  elements,  representing  the 
body  and  blood  of  their  Redeemer  ;  how  ought 
his  prayers  to  go  up  before  God,  that  not  one, 
by  an  unworthy  receiving,  may  forfeit  the  efficacy 
of  that  heavenly  Ordinance  ?  Is  he  called  to  visit 
the  sick,  or  attend  the  dying  ?  Upon  such  affect- 
ing occasions,  let  him  pour  out  his  soul  in  the 
most  fervent  supplications,  that  he  may  disarm 
the  severity  of  his  awful  Judge,  in  whose  presence 
that  soul  may  soon  appear,  and  may  prevail  with 
the  God  of  all  mercy,  to  receive  him  into  his 
heavenly  habitations.  Go  through  the  several 
functions  of  the  ministry,  and  see  what  good  can 
be  expected  to  result  from  them  in  the  hands  of  a 
Minister,  who  does  not  accompany  them  with  a 
spirit  of  prayer. 

Having  shewn  the  necessity,  I  now  proceed  to 
the  advantages,  arising  from  the  practice  of  it. 

Our  calling  subjects  us  to  the  danger  of  living 
habitually,  in  the  transgression  of  many  duties,  we 
may  consider  as  not  essential,  and  of  neglecting  to 
have  recourse  to  prayer — the  only  support  which 
Religion  offers — to  awaken  us  from  that  stupefac- 
tion*    Thus  we  become  Uable,  either  to  profane 


224 


holy  things,  or  to  use  them  in  a  w^y  displeasing  to 
God,  who,  by  consequence,  alienates  from  us  his 
grace,  and  increases  our  weakness  :  for  the  consci- 
entious observance  of  our  several  obligations,  ei- 
ther strengthens  our  faith  and  piety,  or  aggravates 
our  corruption  and  wretchedness. 

In  the  second  place,  the  pastoral  duties,  when 
we  would  discharge  them  with  fidelity,  are  some- 
times attended  with  trouble  and  vexation.  Would 
we  fulfil  them  with  edification  to  our  flock,  and 
satisfaction  to  our  Judge,  our  time  must  not  be  at 
our  own  disposal ;  the  engagement  into  which  we 
have  entered,  is  sacred ;  it  leaves  us  no  longer 
our  own,  but  dedicated  to  the  service  of  our  res- 
pective parishes.  We  labour,  indeed,  not  infre- 
quently for  men  insensible  of  our  kindness :  we, 
sometimes,  excite  the  aversion,  and  provoke  the 
hatred,  of  the  very  persons,  for  whose  salvation, 
we  are  so  solicitous.  We  then  grow  weary,  see- 
ing neither  the  end,  nor  the  advantage,  of  our 
vocation ;  we  no  longer  exert  ourselves  with  the 
same  zeal ;  self-love,  not  being  encouraged  by  suc- 
cess, secretly  insinuates,  that  fatiguing  and  useless 
cares  never  can  be  duties.  Now,  how  can  zeal 
withstand  this  suggestion,  if  we  do  not  derive  new 
powers  from  the  frequent  exercise  of  prayer  ;  if  we 
have  not  the  consolation  of  committing  our  cares 
and  sorrows,  to  the  great  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of 
our  souls,  whose  place  we  fill,  and  whose  repre- 
sentatives we  are  ?  In  his  presence  we  shall  be 
overwhelmed  with  shame,  at  reckoning  upon  light 


225 

afflictions  in  the  discharge  of  our  duty ;  at  com- 
paring ourselves  with  those  who  yielded  up  their 
lives  for  his  doctrine:  in  his  presence  we  shall 
blush  to  be  tempted  to  lay  down  our  arms,  before 
we  have  begun  the  combat ;  to  be  deterred  and  dis- 
couraged, in  our  perseverance  in  the  holy  warfare, 
by  such  easy  exertions,  whilst  those  righteous 
Ministers  set  at  nought  tribulations,  hunger,  thirst, 
persecutions,  and  all  the  fury  of  tyrants,  which 
were  designed  to  "  separate  them  from  the  love  of 
*' Christ:"  from  his  presence,  we  shall  depart, 
with  a  greater  delight  in  our  ministerial  calling, 
with  an  additional  zeal  for  the  salvation  of  our 
flocks.  No !  my  Brethren,  let  us  not  deceive 
ourselves:  without  prayer,  we  feel  all  the  dis- 
gust and  chagrin  attendant  upon  our  sacred  voca- 
tion ;  we  bear  a  yoke  which  overpowers  us  :  with 
prayer  every  thing  is  made  easy ;  the  yoke  is 
no  longer  grievous  ;  our  labours  increase,  but  the 
troubles  accompanying  them  vanish.  You,  some- 
times, complain  of  the  weight,  with  which  the 
difiiculty  of  your  situation  oppresses  you,  and  of 
your  feebleness  to  sustain  it :  address  youi'self 
often  to  him,  who  changes  our  weakness  into 
strength ;  continue  instant  in  prayer ;  these  diffi- 
culties will  disappear  ;  these  mountains  will  be 
made  plain ;  you  will  feel  yourself  a  new  man  ; 
and  you  will  no  longer  complain  of  having  too 
much  to  do,  and  too  much  to  suffer,  for  ■''  the 
furtherance  of  the  Gospel." 


226 


But  if  prayer,  alone,  can  remove  the  troubles 
attached  to  our  calling,  it,  alone,  can  likewise 
prevent  the  dangers  to  which  we  are  exposed.  It 
is  but  too  true  that  the  inward  man,  when  we  ne- 
glect the  duty  and  the  exercise  of  private  prayer, 
insensibly  becomes  weak  and  feeble,  even  whilst 
we  are  engaged  in  our  professional  avocations. 
In  directing  our  thoughts,  and  devoting  our  time, 
to  the  salvation  of  other  men,  we  lose  that  se- 
cret and  hidden  life  of  faith,  which  is  the  vigour 
and  the  energy  of  piety.  In  expressing  our  so- 
licitude for  others,  and  never  for  ourselves,  the 
powers  of  the  soul  w^ear  out,  and  we  *'  no  longer 
delight  ourselves  in  the  .Lord."  In  the  eyes  of 
men,  we  are  holy  and  pious,  but  not  so  in  the 
sight  of  God*.     The  Almighty,  w^hose  support  we 

*  "  A  Christian  Temper  consists  of  various  Parts  :  but 
the  first  Impression,  which  a  genuine  Faith  in  the  Gospel 
makes  on  the  Sou!,  and  the  ruling  Principle,  which  it  fixes 
there,  is  a  deep  Sense  of  Love  to  God  and  our  Fellow-crea- 
tures, producing  an  earnest  Desire  that  we  and  they  may  be 
for  ever  happy  in  his  presence.  Whoever,  therefore,  is  desti- 
tute \)f  this  Feeling,  ought  not,  though  free  from  gross  Yice,to 
become  a  Clergyman  ;  and  without  obtdning  it  from  the  Giver 
of  all  good  Things  by  fervent  prayer,  no  man  is  qualified  to  fill 
the  place  of  one.  For,  notwithstanding  tliat  he  may  preserve 
some  Form  of  Godliness^  without  which  he  would  be  t,mis- 
chievous  and  shocking  in  the  highest  degree,  yet,  not  havmg 
the  reality  and  ponver  thereof,  he  must  profess,  and  seem- 
ingly attempt,  to  make  others  what  he  is  far  from  being  him- 
self. Consequently  his  endeavours  out  of  th.e  pulpit  will  be 
infrequent,  reluctant,  faint :  and  in  it  they  will  at  best  be  un- 
natural and  ungraceful,  whatever  pains  he  may  take  in  his  com- 
positions j  or  v/hatever  vehemence  he  may  affect  in  his  delivery. 


227 

have  not  supplicated,  leaves  us  to  ourselves,  and 
generally,  humour,  dissatisfaction,  vanity,  hold  an 
higher  place  in  the  discharge  of  our  several  obliga- 
tions, than  a  sense  of  duty,  and  a  love  of  our  breth- 
ren. From  these  rocks  we  can  be  preserved  only 
by  the  exercise  of  prayer. 

Another  reflection,  no  less  worthy  your  atten- 
tion, is,  that  prayer  is  not  merely  indispensable 
to  preserve  us  from  those  evils  **  which  may  as- 
sault and  hurt  the  soul,"  but  even  to  assure  us 
of  the  advantage  and  usefulness  of  the  duty.  For 
it  is  by  the  practice,  that  we  know  the  utility,  of 
prayer.  We  plant,  we  water  ;  but  God  alone 
giveth  the  increase ,;  and  how  can  we  expect  it, 
if  we  are  not  diligent  to  supplicate  it  of  him  ? 
We  do  not  invoke  him,  who  alone  can  render  our 
labours  efficacious  to  our  flock,  and  our  solicitude 
acceptable  to  himself.  The  want  of  prayer  is 
the  principal  cause  of  the  little  good  the  generality 
of  Pastors  do,  in  their  parishes,  notwithstanding 
they  may  exactly  fulfill  all  the  other  duties-  of 
the  ministry.  They  think  they  have  performed 
their  part  well,  when  they  have  performed  what 
is  commanded,  but  by  the  small   advantage   ac- 

Ilence  he  will  be  dissatisfied  within,  detected  and  disesteemed 
by  the  judicious  part  of  his  hearers,  and  of  little  use  to  the  rest, 
if  he  is  not  even  hurtful  by  misleading  them.  Or  whatever  his 
case  may  be  amongst  men,  his  inward  want  of  the  piety,  which 
he  outwardly  pretends  to,  must  render  him  uncommonly  guilty 
in  the  sight  of  God.  Heaven  forbid  that  I  should  have  need  to 
enlai'ge  on  such  a  character  in  this  audience." — Abp.  Secker. 


228 

cruing  from  it,  they  might  perceive  that  there  is 
a  something  wanting  ;  and  so  long  as  their  prayers 
shall  not  interest  the  goodness  of  God,  in  the  suc- 
cess of  their  labours  ;  they  will,  like  the  apostles, 
pass  their  days  and  nights  in  casting  the  net,  and  in 
taking  nothing  :  they  will  run  a  long  and  melan- 
choly course,  and  will  die  without  having  brought 
one  soul  to  Jesus  Christ — without  having  reclaim- 
ed a  smgle  being  from  vice,  or  establised  him  in 
•virtue  and  religion. 

And  indeed,  what  success  can  a  Pastor,  so  little 
accustomed  to  prayer,  promise  himself  from  his 
instructions  ?  What  success  can  a  Pastor  promise 
himself  in  speaking  of  God,  who  never,  almost, 
speaks  to  him  ?  What  barrenness  in  his  dis- 
courses ?  He  declares  the  truth,  but  it  proceeds 
only  from  his  mouth,  and  not  from  his  heart.  I 
appeal  to  yourselves  ;  is  it  not  true,-  that  a  holy 
Pastor,  a  man  of  prayer,  with  only  moderate  ta- 
lents, does  more  good,  leaves  his  auditors  more 
affected  with  his  discourses,  than  many  others, 
who,  with  shining  abilities,  have  not  derived, 
from  an  intercourse  with  Heaven,  that  genuine 
piety,  which  can,  alone,  speak  to  the  heart  ?  A  Mi- 
nister, who  does  not  habituate  himself  to  de- 
vout prayer,  may  deliver  an  animated  discourse, 
and  substitute  address  and  elocution  for  zeal  and 
piety  ;  but  you  will  always  see  the  man  ;  you 
will  perceive,  that  it  is  not  a  fire  which  descends 
from  heaven.  For  what  impressions  can  his  in- 
structions make,  if  unaccompanied  with  prayer  to 


229 

draw  down  upon  them  that  grace,  which  alone 
can  render  them  useful  to  those  who  hear  him  ? 
He  will  speak  only  to  the  ears  of  his  people,  be- 
cause the  spirit  of  God,  who  alone  knows  how  to 
speak  to  the  heart,  and  who,  through  the  neglect 
of  prayer,  not  having  taken  up  his  abode  within 
him,  witl  not  speak  by  his  mouth.  The  Ministry 
of  the  word,  will  be  a  duty,  not  of  choice,  but  of 
necessity  ;  or  he  will  make  of  it  a  theatre  of  vanity, 
where  he  will  rather  attract  the  notice,  and  obtain 
the  applause  of  his  hearers,  than  effect  their  amend- 
ment, and  promote  their  salvation. 

But  although  prayer  were  not   so  indispensable, 
as  we  are  taught  to  believe  it   is,  in  order  to  ac- 
company our  labours    with  a  blessing — is  it   not 
our  bounden  duty,  to  pour  out  our  souls,  in   our 
closet  in  secret,,  for  the  salvation  of  those,  for  whom 
we  must  give  an  account  ?  Are  we  not  command- 
ed,   in   the    character  we   sustain,    ^'  to   pray  for 
*'  them  without  ceasing?"    We  are  to  lay  before 
God  their   wants :  we  are  to  lament  before  him, 
over  the  vices  in  which  we  see  them  indulge  them- 
selves, and  which  our  solicitude  cannot  prevent,  nor 
our  zeal  correct,  we  are  to  supplicate  strength  for 
the  weak,  remorse  for  the  hardened,  and  perseve- 
rance for  the  righteous.     The  more  numerous  their 
wants,  the  more  ought  our  prayers,  in  their  behalf, 
to  be  lively  and  fervent :  when  we  appear  before 
God,   it    should  always  be   like    the  High  Priest 
under     the     law,    carrying,     written     upon    our 

2  D 


^30  . 

liearts,  the  names  of  the  tribes,  that  is  to  say,  tho 
names  of  the  people  who  are  entrusted  to  us. 

A  Pastor,  who  does  not  pray,  or  who  contents 
himself  with  reciting  the  prayers  commanded  by 
the  Church,  is  not  a  representative  of  the   good 
Shepherd  ;  such  an  one    is  not,   what  he   is   re- 
quired to  be,  a  father — he  is  an  hireling;  the  chris- 
tians who   are  committed  to  his  care,  are  not,   as 
might  be  expected,  his  children — they  are  orphans  ; 
his  heart,    his  bowels  say  nothing  for  them  :  he 
loves  the  title  by  which  he  presides  over  them  ; 
but  he  feels  no  comfort  in  the  reflection,  that  he  is 
to  be  the  instrument  of  bringing  them  into  a  state 
of  salvation,  and  of  prevailing  with  them,  to  make 
their  peace  with   God  :  he   loves  only  the  place  of 
the  shepherd  ;  he   has  no  affection  for  the  flock  : 
for,  if  he  loved  them,  could  he  behold  their  irregu-. 
larities,  and  the  eternal  evils  they  are  bringing  on 
themselves,  without  incessantly  addressing  himself 
to   him,    who   alone   can   change  their  hearts,  to 
the  end  that,  not  one  of  those  whom  the  father  has 
given  to  him  in  charge,  should  perish  ;  What  do 
I  say  ?  A  Pastor,  who  does  not  pray  for  his  peo- 
ple, not  only   does   not   love   them ;    he   refuses 
them  that  which   is   their   due  :    depriving  them 
of  his   prayers,   he  robs  them  of  a  resource,  to 
which  the  goodness  of  God  had  attached  the  graces 
and  assistance  designed  for  his  heritage  ;  he  re- 
fuses what  his  parishioners  had  a  right  to  expect 
of  him  ;  he  occupies  the  place  of  a  godly  Pastor, 
whose  prayers  might  have  drawn  down  upon  them 


251 


a  thousand  blesfeings,  and  he  is  accountable  for  all 
the  sins  which  his  prayers  might  have  prevented. 
When  you  are  disposed  to  complain  of  the  negli- 
gences and  irregularities  of  your  parishioners,  and 
of  your  being  useless  among  them  ;  examine  your- 
selves, whether  you  are  faithful  in  representing 
to  '^  him  that  heareth  prayer,"  their  necessities 
and  their  miseries ;  whether  you  are  solicitous, 
whether  you  are  importunate,  to  obtain  for  them 
the  protection  and  favour  of  the  Almighty,  who 
seems  to  have  abandoned  them  :  the  prayers  of  a 
Pastor  are  seldom  ineffectual ;  God,  who  has  com- 
manded us  to  pray  for  sinners,  has  also  promised 
to  hear  us.  We  lament  over  the  degeneracy  of 
our  flocks,  whilst — the  reflection  ought  to  make 
us  tremble  ! — it  may  be  attributed  almost  solely 
to  ourselves. 

But  how,  it  may  be  said,  amidst  a  variety  of 
avocations,  which  the  care  of  a  parish  imposes, 
shall  we  find  leisure  to  devote  ourselves  continu- 
ally to  prayer?  Alas!  among  all  our  pretended 
cares  and  labours,  how  many  hours  pass  unem- 
ployed !  how  many  days  given  up  to  indolence, 
to  amusements,  little  becoming,  it  may  be,  the 
gravity  and  the  holiness  of  our  ministry  !  HoW 
many  moments  in  which  idleness  itself,  is  a  trouble 
to  us,  and  in  which  we  are  a  burden  to  ourselves ! 
Blessed  God  !  a  Minister,  commanded  to  offer  the 
supplications  of  his  people,  has  not  time  to  offer 
his  own,  and  to  pray  for  himself;  a  Dispenser  of 
divine  grace,  indisposed  to  have  any  communicatioh 


232 


Xvith  him,  who  hath  entrusted  to  him  this  glorious 
ministry,  and  in  whose  name  he  speaks  and  acts  I 
a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  unwilling  to  give  an 
account  to  the  Almighty  Being  of  the  gifts  and 
riches  he  is  commanded  to  distribute,  and  of  the 
use  which  the  souls,  whose  salvation  is  entrusted 
to  his  superintendance,  make  of  them  I 

But  it  is  not,  that  we  require  your  life  to  be  pas- 
sed in  prayer. — No !  it  is  rather  a  spirit  of  prayer, 
which  is  every  where  to  accompany  .us  :  what  is 
becoming  us,  as  Pastors,  is,  to  beseech  of  God, 
that  spirit,  which  will  direct  us  aright  as  Chris- 
tians, and  make  us,  as  Ministers,  instruments  of 
salvation — to  accustom  ourselves  to  this  secret  and 
continual  communication  with  God ;  to  find  him 
every  where — to  find  ourselves  every  where  with 
him — and  to  derive,  from  every  thing,  an  opportu- 
nity of  raising  our  minds  to  him.  In  this  way, 
should  a  Minister  be  a  man  of  prayer. 

Heavenly  Father,  give,  we  beseech  thee,  unto 
thy  Ministers,  a  tender  and  paternal  heart,  to- 
wards their  several  flocks  :  they  will  then  know 
in  what  manner  to  address  thy  Divine  Majesty 
in  their  behalf ;  they  will  then  need  no  exhor- 
tations  to  animate  them  to  call  daily  upon  Thee, 
to  "  pour  down  upon  them,  the  abundance  of 
*'  Thy  mercy."  A  Pastor,  O  my  God,  who  re- 
fuses all  heavenly  intercourse,  who  neglecteth 
to  interest  Thy  Providence,  and  supplicate  thy 
Grace,   in   the  protection  and  repentance  of  his 


233 

flock,  is  not  a  Pastor  and  a  Shepherd  ;  he  is  a 
stranger,  an  usurper,  and  an  intruder  into  a  family, 
whose  children  neither  awaken  his  solicitude,  nor 
engage  his  tenderness.  Gracious  God,  open  thy- 
self the  eyes  of  the  chief  Shepherds  ;  enlighten  our 
Ministry,  direct  our  choice,  to  the  end  that  '*■  we 
*'  may  lay  hands  suddenly  on  no  man,"  but  may 
choose  those  only,  whom  thou  thyself  hast  chosen  : 
suffer  us  not,  in  order  to  promote  any  interest  of 
our  own,  in  order  to  confer  a  favour,  or  acknow- 
ledge an  obligation,  to  contribute  to  the  troubles 
and  the  disgrace  of  thy  Church,  by  introducing 
into  it  Ministers,  who  may  render  it  contemptible 
by  their  want  of  talents,  or  inefficacious  by  their 
want  of  piety.  Speak  unto  us,  O  God,  thyself,  in 
secret,  as  thou  formerly  spakest  unto  Samuel — 
^*  Neither  hath  the  Lord  chosen  this  :"  or  rather, 
strike  our  hands,  that  they  may  become  immove- 
able, when  we  are  about  to  lay  them  on  the  head  of 
a  Minister,  upon  whom  thy  Holy  Spirit  hath  not 
vouchsafed  to  rest. 


CHARGE  XVI. 

ON  STUDY  AND  KNOWLEDGE. 
Give  attendance  to  reading. 


2H 


CHARGE  XVI. 

ON  STUDY  AND  KNOWLEDGE. 


IT  cannot,  certainly,  require  any  proof  that  study 
is  an  indispensable  duty,  and  knowledge  an  essential 
qualification  in  a  Clergyman  :  it  is  obvious  that 
the  Church  considers  us  as  an  order  of  men,  set 
apart  to  prevent  the  infection  of  error,  and  to  pre- 
serve the  purity  of  truth. 

Upon  this  subject,  you,  no  doubt,  my  brethren, 
anticipate  whatever  arguments  can  be  urged  for  the 
conviction  of  your  minds,  or  whatever  eloquence 
can  be  displayed  for  the  persuasion  of  your  affec- 
tions ;  whatever  obligation  of  our  calling,  may  be 
proposed  to  your  attention,  nothing  new  can  be 
expected. 

Thus,you  are  already  acquainted  with  every  thing 
that  can  be  said  on  the  necessity  of  study,  and  of 
knowledge  in  a  Clergyman ;  you  are  not  ignorant 
that  we  are  the  light  of  the  world,  the  eyes  of  the 
body  of  the  Church,  and  that  if  they  be  darkness, 
the  Whole  can  be  no  other  than  darkness  ;  that  the 
Church,  in  the  imposition  of  hands,  h^s  directed 


236 

us — Go  and  teach  ;  that  we  are  the  pillars  of  the 
New  Covenant,  and  that,  being  ordained  for  the 
purpose  of  instructing  others  out  of  it,  we  ought  to 
be  instructed  ourselves  ;  in  a  word,  that  an  unedu- 
cated Clergyman,  has  no  right  to  bear  the  high  title 
of  the  priesthood,  and  that  he  is  no  other  than  the 
disgrace  of  the  Church,  and  the  derision  of  the 
world. ^  This,  my  brethren,  you  know  well  al- 
ready ;  and  these  fundamental  truths  were  impressed 
upon  us,  during  our  preparation  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry  :  we  were,  at  first,  affected  with  them,  but 
since  that  period,  they,  by  becoming  so  familiar,  ap- 
pear to  us  less  important  :  like  those  Priests  and  Le- 
vites,  who  bare  the  ark  in  the  wilderness,  "  when 


*  "  A  point  of  great  importance  to  Clergymen  is,  that  they 
be  studious.  This  will  keep  your  money  from  being  spent 
unwisely  ;  and  likewise  your  time  from  being  thrown  away 
hurtfully  or  unprofitably,  or  hanging  heavy  on  your  hands.  It 
will  procure  you  reverence  too,  as  persons  of  knowledge  : 
whereas  the  idle  will,  even  by  the  ignorant,  be  thought  de- 
ficient. And,  which  is  the  main  thing,  this  alone  will  enable 
you  to  understand  the  business  of  your  station,  and  perform  it 
well.  But  then  you  must  apply  to  such  things  chiefly,  as  will 
fit  you  most  to  answer  the  great  end  of  your  employment ;  and 
determine^  with  St.  Paul,  to  k?io^  nothings  comparatively  speak- 
ing, amongst  your  people,  save  Jesus  Christy  and  him  crucified. 
The  concern  of  a  Parish  Minister  is,  to  make  the  lowest  of  his 
congregation  apprehend  the  doctrine  of  salvation  by  repent- 
ence,  faith  and  obedience  ;  and  to  labour  that  when  they  know 
the  way  of  life,  they  may  walk  in  it.  If  he  doth  not  these 
things  for  them,  he  doth  nothing  :  and  it  requires  much  con- 
sideration to  find  out  the  proper  methods  of  doing  them, 
and  much  pains-  and  patience  to  try  one  after  another. — Abp. 
Secker. 


237 

4*  the  Lord  went  before  them  by  day,  in  a  pilllai* 
**  of  a  cloud,  to  lead  them  the  way  ;  and  by  night, 
*^  in  a  pillar  of  fire,  to  give  them  light,  to  go  by 
*'  day  and  night,"  the  first  appearance  struck  them 
for  a  while  with  an  holy  fear,  with  additional 
veneration  for  the  commands  of  Moses,  and  for 
the  duties  of  their  state;  every  thing  promised, 
on  their  part,  a  persevering  fidelity  ;  but  perceiv- 
ing every  day  that  miraculous  appearance,  they 
considered  it  merely  as  an  ordinary  sight,  and  it 
made  upon  them,  at  last,  no  impression :  reve- 
rence for  Moses,  zeal  for  the  duties  of  the  sacred 
ofiice,  grew  Weaker,  and  they  were  soon  mingled 
with ,  the  murmurers  and  the  worshippers  of  the 
molten  calf,  entirely  degenerated  from  the  holiness, 
of  their  function. 

This  is  a  representation  of  our  revolt,  and  espe- 
cially of  our  dislike  to  study :  we  preserved,  for  a 
certain  time,  a  sincere  desire  to  advance  in  the 
knowledge  indispensable  to  the  right  discharge  of 
our  duty ;  but  indolence,  dissipation,  the  example 
of  many  of  our  brethren,  have  insensibly  cooled 
that  first  zeal:  we  thought  that  we  knew  enough; 
and  our  previous  study,  far  from  serving  as  a  foun- 
dation of  knowledge,  to  enable  us  to  acquire  all 
necessary  subsequent  information,  has  become  ex- 
tinct, and  we  have  forgotten  the  little  we  had  once 
learned.  Would  God,  the  experience  of  every 
day  did  not  warrant  the  assertion  !  The  priesthood 
is,  for  the  most  part,  the  fatal  termination  of  stu- 
dv  :  we  first  endeavour  to  acquire  sufficient  know- 

2  E 


258 

ledge,  to  undergo  the  examination  necessary  to 
qualify  us  for  holy  orders.  Are  we  invested  with 
the  sacerdotal  character  ?  we  are  delighted  in  hav- 
ing no  account,  in  future,  to  give  to  men,  of  our 
ignorance,  or  our  attainments ;  we  reckon  as  no- 
thing, the  account  we  are  to  give  before  the  tri- 
bunal of  God,  nor  the  dishonour  of  the  Church, 
on  whom  we  have  imposed,  by  presenting  ourselves 
candidates  for  the  ministry  ;  there  we  continue. 
Thus  the  sacred  character  becomes  the  sole  and 
universal  title,  which  authorizes  ignorance  and 
idleness  :  but  it  is  then — that  taking  upon  us  the 
profession  ofthe  holy  ministry — wisdom  and  know- 
ledge, as  we  are  constituted  Pastors  for  the  ser- 
vice of  the  Church,  become  more  necessary  :  the 
Sacred  character  does  not  confer  learning  :  it  sup- 
poses, that  we  are  possessed  of  whatever  is  requi- 
site :  or  rather,  we  enter  into  a  new  engagement 
to  acquire  it :  but  you  lay  down  the  arms  of  the 
holy  warfare,  the  shield  of  faith,  and  the  helmet  of 
salvation,  at  the  very  season  the  Church  expects 
you  to  undertake  the  combat :  whereas,  the  priest- 
hood, which  puts  these  holy  arms  into  our  han^s, 
makes  us  unwilling  to  retain  them — we  have  no 
more  love  for  study — we  no  longer  read — books  are 
useless  appendages — we  are  sometimes  without 
any — and  it  is  not  without  a  degree  oj* surprise, 
that  we  meet,  in  some  of  the  houses  of  those  Cler- 
gymen I  am  describing,  with  a  single  Bible.* 

*  What  a  description  of  the  established  Clergy  of  France  ! 
No  wonder  that  a  Church,  thus  supported,  should  fall.  It  was 
said  of  many  of  those  who  sought  refuge  in  this  coiuitry,  that 
1  hey  were  deplorably  ignorant. 


239 

It  is  not  expected,  that  study  should  become  your 
sole  occupation,  and  that,  devoted  continually,  to 
your  books,  you  should  lose  sight  of  the  wants  of 
the  souls  committed  to  your  care  :  it  is  solely  to  be 
useful  to  them,  that  you  ought  to  acquire  know- 
ledge ;  it  is  to  distribute  among  them,  openly,  the 
riches  which  you  obtain  in  secret.  So  that  when 
we  exhort  you  to  study,  it  is  not  to  a  study  which 
renders  you  invisible  to  your  parishioners ;  but 
which  enhances  the  value  of  your  presence,  and 
renders  your  attentions  more  useful  to  them.  In 
giving  yourselves  up  to  curious  and  speculative 
enquiries,  which  have  no  regard  to  their  salvation, 
you  would  make  a  wrong  application  of  that  time, 
which  is  not  your  own,  and  which  you  owe  to  your 
flock  :  it  is  not  required  of  you,  to  investigate  the 
most  abstruse  subjects,  and  profound  mysteries  in 
theology  :  talents  requisite  for  such  investigations, 
are  the  portion  of  a  chosen  few,  whom  the  Almighty 
from  age  to  age,  raises  up,  in  order  to  oppose  them 
to  the  enemies  of  the  gospel,  and  to  dispel,  by  their 
wisdom,  the  clouds,  which  the  petulence  of  pride, 
akd  the  subtilty  of  error,  attempt  to  cast  upon 
the  purity  of  its  heavenly  doctrines.  All  are  not 
prophets,  and  the  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost  are 
not  communicated  to  all  with  the  same  splen- 
dour, and  in  the  same  abundance  ;  but  all  ought 
to  know  the  evidences,  and  understand  the  doc- 
trines, of  Christianity  :  we  ought  all  to  be  ac- 
quainted with  the  nature,  extent,  and  mean- 
ing of  the  evangelical  precepts ;  to  "  meditate 
-*'  upop  them,"   as  the   Psalmist  speaks,  <^  day 


240 


*<  and  night;''  to  make  them,  after  his  example,  otir 
support,  and  "  the  very  joy  of  our  heart ;"  and  to 
draw  from  the  divine  source  of  revelation,  such  re- 
medies as  may  always  be  applied  to  the  wants,  and 
the  various  maladies,  of  the  flock,  which  are  en- 
trusted to  us. 

The  Scribes  and  Priests  of  the  Law,  persuaded 
that  a  knowledge  of  its  precepts,  and  of  its  ordi- 
nances, was  inseparable  from  the  priesthood,  dis- 
played, with  pompous  ceremony,  their  phylac 
teries,  which  were  no  other  than  large  rolls  of  the 
law,  with  which  they  bound  the  lower  parts  of 
their  robes — "  They  make  broad  their  philacteries, 
*'  and  enlarge  the  borders  of  their  garments." 
This,  indeed,  was  a  Pharisaical  and  ridiculous 
ostentation  ;  it  teaches  us,  however,  that  a  Pastor 
should  never,  any  where,  appear  without  carrying 
with  him  the  law,  I  do  not  mean,  displayed  on  his 
garments,  but  deeply  engraven  on  his  mind,  and 
on  his  heart.  Even  in  the  darkness  of  paganism, 
the  *^  idol  priests"  had  no  other  employment,  than 
a  diligent  study  of  the  fables  and  extravagances 
of  their  mythology.  And  we,  my  brethren,  or- 
dained for  the  purpose  of  informing  ourselves 
clearly  of  the  nature  of  a  religion,  in  its  origin 
tftivine,  in  its  effects  transcendent,  commanded  to 
contemplate,  continually,  this  blessed  revelation, 
<*  whichhath  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light," 
feel  no  desire  to  be  instructed  in  it,  to  read  in  it 
by  day,  to  meditate  on  it  by  night :  we  regret 
the  moments,  in  which  we  are,  sometimes,  oblig- 
ed to  consult  it :  we  feel  no  shame  at  being  igno- 


241 

norant,  not  only  of  the  most  sublime  and  abstruse 
parts,  but  even  those  the  most  essential  to  the  dis- 
charge of  our  ministry ;  we  content  ourselves 
with  a  slight  an^  superficial  knowledge :  we  do 
not,  by  any  serious  application,  enter  into  the  full 
and  comprehensive  meaning  of  the  holy  doctrine, 
of  which  we  are  the  interpreters  ;  how  then,  shall 
we  engage  those  whose  instruction  is  committed 
to  our  care,  in  the  contemplation  of  it  ?  Are  now 
those  to  whom  we  preach,  acquainted  with  the  spi- 
rit of  Christianity,  and  with  the  sincere  and  vital 
piety,  which  is  to  impress  the  hearts,  and  direct 
the  steps,  of  its  professors  ?  Of  the  genius  of  the 
Gospel  they  know  but  little  :  of  some  of  its  ordi- 
nances, indeed,  they  are  not  altogether  ignorant  ; 
but  with  the  real  nature  of  it,  with  its  grand  doc- 
trines, with  the  obligations  it  imposes,  with  the 
consolations  it  affords,  with  the  promises  it  holds 
out,  they  have  no  acquaintance  :  and  how  should 
they  know  its  evidences,  appreciate  its  doctrines, 
and  apply  its  precepts,  when  the  Pastors,  whose 
duty  it  is  to  explain  and  enforce  them,  have  never 
felt  disposed  to  study  them  themselves  ? 

But  many  of  the  Clergy,  are,  you  say,  possessed 
of  such  small  revenues,  that  they  are  not  in  a  situ- 
tion  to  purchase  all  the  books  necessary  for  the 
acquisition  of  such  knowledge.  Alas !  did  they 
love,  and  were  they  desirous  of  books,  did  they 
feel  a  real  want  of  them,  they  would  not  find  it  so 
difficult  to  acquire  them.  And  besides,  are  so 
many  books  requisite  to   acquaint  a  Clergyman 


242 


with  the  nature  of  his  duty  ?  It  is  not  the  number 
that  is  wanted :  those  that  are  indispensable  are 
reduced  to  a  few;  the  previous  requisites  are,  a 
love  of  study  ;  a  desire  of  becoming  useful  to  our 
parish  ;  a  conviction  of  the  necessity  of  deriving 
from  prayer  that  knowledge  which  study  does  not 
aiford  :  of  being  impressed  with  a  desire  of  salva- 
tion, and  of  applying  all  the  means  of  advancing  in 
evangelical  wisdom,  to  inspire  our  flocks  with  a 
iove  of  their  duty,  in  order  that  they  may,  the  more 
easily,  be  induced  to  practise  it ;  in  a  word,  it  is  a 
sincere  desire  to  fulfil  our  ministry  :  but  you  might 
place  the  Pastors,  of  whom  I  am  speaking,  in  the 
midst  of  all  the  books  that  have  been  written  since 
the  promulgation  of  the  Gospel,  and  they  would 
discover  an  aversion,  rather  than  an  anxiety,  for 
the  perusal  of  them. 

But  all  men,  you  contend,  are  not  born  with  cer- 
tain talents,  nor  with  a  genius  for  learning.  It  is  for 
this  very  reason,  that  you,  who  hold  such  language 
to  us,  ought  to  redouble  your  application,  to  the 
end  that  closer  study  and  greater  diligence,  may  sup- 
ply the  defects,  and  confer  the  excellences,  which 
nature  may  have  withheld.  Besides,  are  such  singu- 
lar talents  requisite  to  make  yourselves  thoroughly 
acquainted  with  the  genius  of  that  dispensation  in 
which  you  have  undertaken  to  instruct  mankind  ?  In 
a  word,  make  amends  by  an  holy  life  and  active 
ministry,  for  the  want  of  those  talents  by  which 
others  may  be  distinguished  ;  your  examples  will 
compensate  for  what  may  be  deficient  in  the  ele-^ 


243 

gance  of  your  compositions,  and  the  extent  of  your 
learning  :  was  the  servant  who  had  received  only 
one  talent  excused  for  the  want  of  a  right  applica- 
tion of  it  ?  I  repeat  it,  my  brethren,  are  such  trans- 
cendent qualities  essential,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
world,  to  the  instructing  of  a  simple  people,  and 
building  them  up  in  our  most  holy  faith  ?  We 
have  only  to  love  them,  and  feel  an  interest  in 
their  salvation  ;  we  have  only  to  manifest  for  them 
the  heart  of  a  father,  and  a  Pastor,  concerned  foF 
their  wants,  and  much  more  for  their  sins  ;  we 
have  only  to  offer  up  our  frequent  and  fervent  pe- 
titions, that  the  kingdom  of  God  may  extend  its 
limits,  and  accomplish  its  purposes  ;  and  that  the 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ  may  not  be  shed  in  vain  for 
the  souls  committed  to  our  care.  The  Pastor  pos- 
sessed of  these  dispositions,  is  both  learned  and 
enlightened  ;  and  happy  are  the  people,  in  having 
for  their  guide,  a  teacher  so  meek,  so  humble,  so 
little  qualified  in  appearance,  but  so  filled  with  the 
Spirit  of  God  !  May  it  be  the  distinguishing 
character  of  the  Church,  to  be  blessed  with  such 
Ministers ! 

But,  unhappily,  among  those  Clergymen,  who 
to  justify  their  indolence,  and  excuse  their  igno- 
rance, allege  either  the  want  of  books,  or  their  in- 
herent indisposition  to  learning,  as  we  find  in  their 
life  neither  application  nor  study,  neither  do  we 
perceive  a  love  of  prayer,  or  any  of  those  pastoral 
virtues,  often  more  useful  to  the  Church,  more  edi- 
fying tha,n  learning  itself,  which,  not  infrequently, 


244 

pufFeth  up  :  ignorance,  idleness,  dissipation,  and 
neglect  of  duty,  generally  go  together.  I  am,  in- 
deed, unwilling  to  speak  it,  but  do  you  speak  for 
me,  you  who  see  it  every  day  ;  what  life  do  those 
Pastors,  without  any  study,  ignorant,  idle,  and 
dissipated  in  the  midst  of  their  parishes,  generally 
lead  ?  A  life  as  low,  as  grovelling,  and  scarce 
less  innocent,  than  that  of  the  people  over  w^hom 
they  preside  :  little  anxious  to  make  the  field  of 
the  Gospel  productive,  which  they  suffer  to  lie 
uncultivated  ;  the  solicitude  to  improve  their  be- 
nefices, and  to  increase  their  incomes,  constitutes 
their  chief  employment.  When  their  indolence 
has  not  this  resource,  no  book,  no  study  engaging 
them  at  home,  their  habitation  becomes  insup- 
portable. What  a  life  for  a  Clergyman,  who,  in 
his  parish,  represents  his  master,  as  a  dispenser 
of  his  holy  Sacraments,  and  of  his  evangelical 
Graces  ? 

Such  is  the  inevitable  consequence  of  the  indul- 
gence of  idleness,  and  tlie  neglect  of  study,  in  a 
Clergyman.  Hence  those*'  conferences,  so  wisely 
appointed  by  our  predecessors,in  this  extensive  dio- 
cese, so  religiously  observed  throughout  the  king- 
dom ;  those  holy  assemblies,  so  calculated  to  main- 
tain a  sacerdotal  union  among  the  Ministers  ;  a  sa- 
cred harmony,in  order  to  animate  us,  individually, 
to  the  uniform  observance  of  the  duties  of  the  mi- 
nistry of  the  Church,  and  a  support,   in  order  to 

*  Alluding  to  the  retreat  mentioned  in  Charge  V. 


245 

clear  up,  or  remove  the  doubts,  and  obviate  the 
difficulties  of  it :  these  conferences,  which,  at  first, 
frequented  with  so  much  zeal,  we  have  the  morti- 
fication, at  the  termination  of  our  episcopacy,  to 
see  deserted,  and  almost  wholly  done  away  in  many 
deaneries,  throughout  this  diocese.  Whence  can 
arise  this  desertion,  so  little  edifying  on  your  part^ 
and  so  afflicting  on  ours  ?  We  need  not  hesitate  to 
attribute  it  to  its  real  cause  :  ignorance,  indolence, 
and  the  neglect  of  study,  are  the  principal  reasons 
of  this  general  absence  ;  not  capable,  for  the  most 
part,  of  supporting,  by  their  knowledge,  these  pious 
societies,  and  still  less  anxious  to  profit  by  the 
information  of  their  brethren,  they  are  ashamed  to 
expose  themselves  :  such  men  make  a  schism  in 
the  diocese,  where  the  Almighty  hath  hitherto  in  his 
mercy,  established  peace,  and  preserved  union  ; 
and  bring  upon  themselves  the  curse  denounced 
against  those  who  *'  separate  themselves,  being 
**  sensual,  having  not  the  Spirit." 

I  implore  you,  then,  my  reverend  brethren,  to 
obviate  an  evil,  which  represents  you  to  yourselves, 
and  to  each  other,  in  so  unfavorable  a  light :  restore 
to  this  great  diocese,  the  high  character  which  it 
has  always  sustained,  by  the  universal  observance 
of  this  salutary  discipline  :  my  course  is  already 
far  advanced  ;  suffer  it  not  to  end  with  the  morti- 
fication of  seeing  a  practice,  productive  of  such 
substantial  good,  fall  into  entire  disuse  :  spare  my 
old  age  this  sorrow  ;  rather  renew  it  with  a  fresh 
vigor,  by  renovating  your  zeal  for  your  duty,  more 

2  F 


246 

especially  for  the  conferences,  which  are  so  v/iselj' 
prescribed  :  ''  Fulfil  ye  my  joy  :"  the  love  of 
study,  will  be  renovated  with  them.  Second,  then, 
the  wishes  of  a  Pastor,  who  hath  always  loved  you, 
who  hath  never  exercised,  but  with  regret,  his 
authority  over  his  Brethren,  and  who  may,  there- 
fore, reasonably  hope,  that  without  having  re- 
course to  severity,  his  remonstrances  will,  of  them = 
aelves,  find  the  way  to  your  hearts. 


END  OF   THE    CHARG&S. 


247 


As  all  my  readers  may  not  be  possessed  of  that 
invaluable  work,  entitled  The  Elements  of 
Christian  Theology,  by  the  learned  Bishop  of 
Lincoln,  I  shall  add  the  catalogue  of  Books  recom-^ 
mended  by  his  Lordship  to  the  Clergy, 

*^  I  shall  subjoin,"  says  this  amiable  and  distin- 
guished Prelate,  "  a  List  of  Books,  with  their  prices, 
which  every  Clergyman  ought  to  possess  ;  and  it  is 
greatly  to  be  wished,  that  the  purchase  of  them 
should  be  considered  as  a  necessary  part  of  the  ex- 
pences  of  the  education  of  a  person,  designed  for 
our  holy  profession.  It  will  be  remembered,  that 
I  am  not  describing  the  library  of  a  learned  divine, 
but  of  a  respectable  and  useful  Parish  Priest." 


Bible,  with  marginal  references,  8vo. 
Crutwell's  Concordance  of  Parallels,  4ta. 
Buttervvorth's  Concordance,  8vo.        -         .,         - 
Patrick,  Lowth,  and  Whitby,  on  the  Old  and  New- 
Testament,  6  vol.  folio 

Doddridge's  Family  Expositor,  6  vol.  8vo.  - 
Poole's  Synopsis,  5  vol.  folio      -         .         -         - 
Collier's  Sacred  Interpreter,  2  vol.  8vo. 
Jenning's  Jewish  Antiquities,  2  vol.  8vo.    - 
Lowman's  Rational  of  the  Hebrew  Ritual,  8vo.    - 
Gray's  Key  to  the  Old  Testament,  8vo. 


Carried  forward—  /..  15   15    ^ 


Prices,  bound . 

L. 

s.     d. 

0 

11     0 

1 

10     0 

0 

9     O 

7 

0     0 

2 

2      0 

o 

5      0 

0 

12     0 

0 

12      0 

0 

5      0 

0 

9      0 

248 


Prices-,  boimd. 

L.      s.  d. 

Brought  forward         -          -          -         15     15  0 

Home's  Scripture  History  of  the  Jews,  2  vols.  8vo.  0       8  0 

Parkhurst's  Greek  Lexicon,  4to.            -           -         2       2  0 

Campbell's  Translation  of  the  Gospel,  2  vol.  4to.       2       2  0 

Marsh's  Michaelis,  3  vol.  Svo.                -           -         1        1  0 

Bowyer's  Conjectures  on  the  New  Testament,  4to.  15  0 

Macknight's  Harmony,  4to.           -         -          -         1     .  ,1  0 

> on  the  Epistles,  3  vol.  4to.  -440 

Lowman  on  the  Revelation,  Svo.     -         -         -         0       6  0 

Oliver's  Scripture  Lexicon,  Svo.     -         -         -         0       6  0 

Macbean's  Dictionary  of  the  Bible,  Svo.    -         -        0       6  0 


StilIingfleet'sOriginesSacr2e,2  vol.  Svo.  -         0     14       0 

Clark's  Grotius,  Svo.  ,         .         -         -         o       $       0 

• Evidences  of  natural  and  revealed  Religion,Svo  0       6       0 

Lardner's  Works,  1 1  vol.  Svo.  -         -         -         4     15       0 

Paley's  Evidences,  2  vol.  Svo.  -         -         -         0     14       0 

Horse  Paulinse,  Svo.  -         -         -070 

Jenldn's  on  the  Certainty  and  Reason  of  Christi- 

nity,  2  vol.  Svo.  -         -         -  -         0      10       0 
Leland  on  the  Advantages  and  Necessity  of  Reve- 
lation, 2  vol.  Svo.          -         -         -         . 
—  Viewof  Deistical  Writers,  2  vol.  Svo. 


0 

12 

0 

0 

12 

0 

0 

7 

0 

0 

12 

0 

0 

14 

0 

Butler's  Analogy,  Svo.  -         -         _         - 

Campbell  on  Miracles,  2  vol.  Svo.    -         -         - 
Newton  on  the  Prophecies,  2  vol.  Svo. 
Rett's  History  the  Interpeter  of  Prophecy,  3  vol. 

12mo.  -         -         -         -         -         0     12 

Leland  on  the  Divine  Authority  of  the   Old  and 

New  Testament,  2  vol.  Svo.  -         -         0       6 


Burnet's  History  of  the  Reformation,  3  vol.  folio       1     10       0 
i- Exposition  of  the  39  Articles,  Svo.    -         0       7       0 


Carried  forwfird  -  -         X  42 


249 


Brought  forward 
Burnet's  Pastoral  Care,  8vo. 
Pearson  on  the  Creed,  2  vols,  8vo 
Nicholls  on  the  Common  Prayer,  8vd. 
Wheatly  on  Do.  Svo. 
Shepherd  on  Do.  2  vols.  Svo. 
Wilson's  Parochalia,  12mo. 
Wall  on  Infant  Baptism,  2  vols.  Svo. 
Seeker  on  the  Catechism,  1 2mo. 
Seeker's  Charges,  Svo. 
The  Homilies,  by  Sir  Adam  Gordon,  Svo. 
Daubeny's  Guide  to  the  Church, 
Appendix  to  do.  2  vol. 


Cudworth's  Intellectual  System,  2  vol.  4to.     - 
Hooker's  Ecclesiastical  Polity,  3  vol.  Svo. 
Bingham's  Antiquities,  2  vol.  folio, 
Broughton's  Dictionary  of  all  Regions,  2  vol.  folio 
Shuckford's  Connection,  4  vol.  Svo. 
Prideau's  Connection,  4  vol.  Svo. 
JEchard's  Ecclesiastical  History,  2  vol.  Svo. 
Mosheim's  Ecclesiastical  History,  6  vols,  Svo. 
Bum's  Ecclesiastical  Law,  4  vol.  Svo. 
Common  Place-Book  to  the  Holy  Bible,  4to. 
Barrow's  Works,  2  vol.  folio 
Tillotson's  Works,  3  vol.  folio 
Clark's  Sermons,  8  vol.  Svo. 
Sherlock's  Sermons,  5  vol.  Svo. 
Seeker's  Sermons,  9  vol.  Svo. 
Scott's  Christian  Life,  5  vol.  Svo. 
Whole  Duty  of  Man,  12mo. 
Scholar  armed,  2  vols.  Svo.         -         - 
Tracts,  by  the  Society  for  Christian  Knowledge,  12 
vol.  12mo.         -  :  -  - 


Total     -         -      Z.  74 


Prices,  bound. 

L. 

s. 

d. 

42 

0 

6 

0 

3 

6 

0 

14 

0 

0 

6 

Q 

0 

6 

0 

0 

15 

0 

0 

2 

.   6 

0 

8 

0 

0 

3 

6 

0 

6 

0 

0 

10 

0 

0 

8 

6 

0 

13 

0 

I 

10 

0 

0 

18 

0 

1 

5 

0 

1 

16 

0 

1 

0 

0 

1 

0 

6 

0 

8 

0 

2 

2 

Q 

1 

16 

0 

0 

4 

0 

2 

2 

0 

3 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

1 

5 

0 

2 

14 

0 

I 

2 

6 

0 

4 

0 

0 
> 

14 

0 

2 

8 

0 

250 


I  beg  leave  to  add,  that  the  Clergy  may,  by  con- 
suiting  the  London  Catalogues,  frequently  meet 
with  many  of  these  books  at  not  more  than  half  the 
price  here  subjoined. 

The  following  books,  may^  perhaps,  by  some  be 
thought  well  adapted,  either  to  inform  tht  mind, 
refine  the  taste,  or  edify  the  heart : 

Stackhouse's  History  of  the  Bible,  2  vol.  folio 

Lightfoot's  Works,  2  vol.  folio 

Elements  of  Christian  Theology,  2  vol.  8vo. 

Bishop  Porteus's  Lectures  on  St.  Matthew,  2  vol.  8vo. 

Wall's  Notes  on  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  3  vol.  8vo. 

Wells  on  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  6  vol.  4to. 

Wells's  Historical  Geography  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament, 

4  vol.  8vo. 
Kennott's  Abridgment  of  Pearson  on  the  Creed,  8vo. 
Rotherham's  Apology  for  the  Athanasian  Creed,  8vo. 

—  on  Faith,  8vo. 

Essay  on  Establishments,  8vo. 
Burgh  on  the  Divinity  of  Christ,  8vo. 

on  the  opinion  of  the  Fathers   respecting  Christianity, 

8vo. 
Rogers's  Discourse  of  the  Visible  and  Invisiblo  Church,  8va 
Warburton's  Alliance  of  Church  and  State,  12mo. 
Bossuet's  Discourse-on  Universal  History,  English  8vo. 
Sermons,  Taylor's,  (Je rem.)  folio 

Porteus's,  2  .vol.  8vo. 

Home's,  5  voL  8vo. 

Hickman's,  2  vol.  8vo.  ' 

Dr.  Gardiner's,  8vo. 

Dr.  White's  Bampton  Lectures,  8vo. 

Dr.  Taylor's  (Dr.  Johnson's)  2  vol.  8vo. 


251 

Leland's,  Dr.  John,  3  vol.  8vo. 
■  Dr.  Ogden's,  2  vol.  12 mo. 
•  Daubeny*s,  8vo. 

Cleaver's  (Bishop  of  Bangor)  3,  on  Sacrament,  8vo. 

Do.  on  Creeds,  8vo. 

Do.  on  the  Articles,  8  vo. 


A 

XETTER 


ON 


THE  ART  OF  PREACHING. 

TRANSLATED  FROM  M.  REYBAZ 


2   G 


255 


LETTER 


ON 


THE  ART  OF  PREACHING. 


BEING  about  to  take  upon  yourself  the  office  of 
a  Preacher  of  the  Gospel,  you  solicit  my  advice^ 
which  I  consider  as  a  proof,  that  you  feel  the  diffi- 
culties attendant  upon  what  you  are  going  to  per- 
form. How  many  young  Preachers  do  we  see,  who 
have  received  no  previous  instructions— and  who 
have  not,  it  may  be  presumed,  considered  instruc- 
tion necessary — presenting  themselves,  with  confi- 
dence before  a  public  assembly  I  The  modesty 
which  characterizes  you,  is  an  omen  of  your  suc- 
cess, and  you  deserve  a  more  able  guide,  than  my 
knowledge  and  abilities  allow  me  to  be. 

As  you  have  resolved  to  adopt  the  ecclesiastical 
vocation,  you  have,  doubtless,  made  a  previous  in- 
vestigation of  your  resources,  and  compared  your 
several  faculties,  not  with  those  of  persons,  whose 
lives  have  been  devoted  to  their  profession,  but 
with  those  which  the  discharge  of  the -duty  requires. 


256 

You  have  also,  I  trust,  compared  the  importance 
of  the  Avork,  with  the  powers  of  your  mind  ;  re- 
membering, that  you  should  not  undertake  any  en- 
gagement without  having  first  ascertained  your  ca- 
pability to  fulfil  it. 

Few  vocations  require  such  an  union  of  talents^ 
as  that  of  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel.  It  calls  forth 
every  endowment  of  the  mind,  all  the  faculties  of 
the  soul,  ^nd  the  most  attractive  gracefulness  of 
the  body.  Of  these  several  powers,  some  are 
more  essential  than  others  ;  some  are  so  indispens- 
ably necessary,  that  a  young  man  is  unpardonable, 
if  He  engage  in  this  work  of  the  Lord,  without 
them. 

* 

If  our  studies  have  been  well  directed  ;  if  we 
have  profited  by  application  ;  and  if  we  are  ambi- 
tious  to  distinguish  ourselves  in  our  profession  ; 
it  is  quite  sufficient  to  have  been  born  with  com- 
mon abilities,  to  possess  the  qualities  of  mind  re- 
quisite for  a  Preacher.  A  certain  flow  of  ideas, 
and  a  perfect  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures^ 
is  the  effect  of  mature  study.  One  view  of  a  sub- 
ject will  discover  what  it  principally  contains,  to 
form  the  basis  of  a  discourse  ;  and  a  knowledge  of 
logic  will  teach  you  to  make  an  happy  decision, 
and  just  arrangement.  There  is  not  a  man,  de- 
voted, in  any  degree,  to  his  calling,  who  cannot, 
with  care  and  labour,  compose  a  Sermon,  which, 
if  not  eloquent,  will,  at  least,  be  useful  and  edify- 
ine. 


257 

A  knowledge  of  the  human  heart  is  just  as  ne- 
cessary to  a  Preacher,  as  that  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures. The  human  heart  is  a  difficult  book,  and 
if  we  do  not  read,  carefully,  every  page,  we  ought, 
at  least,  to  study  the  principal  chapters :  it  will  pre- 
vent us  from  erring,  by  describing  an  imaginary, 
in  the  place  of  a  real,  being,  and  will  supply  us 
with  that  information,  which  will  enable  us  to 
know,  what  is  of  all  things  the  most  difficult — our- 
selves* 

For  want  of  society,  which  is,  in  this  respect, 
the  best  school  for  a  Preacher,  but  which  we  can- 
not always  frequent,  he  should  study  the  most 
celebrated  moralists :  let  him,  above  all,  read  that 
celebrated  orator,  Massillon,  from  whom  nothing 
that  concerned  the  human  heart  was  concealed.  I 
atn  not  ashamed  to  recommend  to  his  perusal, 
works  of  imagination,  which  are  distinguished  by 
purity  of  morals,  and  detail  of  character,  designed 
at  once,  to  interest  the  affections,  and  improve  the 
understanding. 

There  is  not  a  subject  within  the  sphere  of  an 
orator,  which  does  not  demand  a  certain  di- 
versity of  thoughts,  the  solution  of  which  requires 
care,  and  exercises  judgment,  together  with  an 
order  and  method,  in  the  arrangement  of  them. 
There  is,  moreover,  a  certain  quality,  valuable  in 
itself,  and  indispensable  to  an  orator,  w^hich  ani- 
mates and  inspires  all  his  discourses,  and  which 
displays  its  intuitive  power  more  fully  in  some  per- 


258 

5ons  than  others ;  this  quality  is  inherent  in  the 
soul ;  it  cannot  be  acquired  by  diligence  :  I  de- 
scribe it  in  one  word — sensibility. 

If  an  orator  has  not  sensibility,  he  cannot  attain 
the  highest  end  of  his  labours,  which  is  to  affect 
the  heart,  whilst  he  informs  the  understanding. 
There  is  no  emotion  produced  by  eloquence, 
which  does  not  spring  from  sensibility.  It  was 
that  w^hich  inspired  Fenelon,  Bossuet,  Flechier, 
Massillon,  Saurin,  the  Abbe  Poul,  in  some  of 
their  finest  passages.  He,  who  is  so  phlegmatic, 
as  always  to  leave  his  hearers  unaffected,  is  in 
want  of  an  oratorical  requisite,  for  which  no 
learning  can  atone,  and  which  no  diligence  will 
supply. 

What  then  shall  we  say  of  those  Preachers,  who, 
far  from  transforming  into  sentiment,  the  abstract 
principles  of  morality,  even  speak  in  the  language 
of  metaphysics  ?  Would  an  orator,  endowed  with 
sensibility,  pursue  so  inefficacious  a  mean  of  edifi- 
cation ?  Be  a  philosopher  ;  but  in  discourses  from 
the  pulpit,  assume  neither  the  tone,  nor  the  lan- 
guage, of  philosophy. 

Sensibility,  it  is  to  be  observed,  has  its  degrees^ 
and  may  increase  by  exercise.  Thus,  I  would  not 
prevent  a  man  from  becoming  a  Preacher,  because 
he  discovers  no  more  than  a  spark  of  it,  or  because 
his  attempt  to  introduce  it  into  his  discourses  is  fee- 
ble, and  in  consequence  unsuccessful.  It  is  sufficient 


259 

to  be  not  absolutely  devoid  of  sensibility,  provided 
we  can,  by  the  force  of  application,  excite  in  our- 
selves a  certain  degree  of  energy.  For  that  pur- 
pose, shun  those  exhibitions  which  harden  the 
heart ;  frequent  no  spectacles  which  do  not  give 
soft  impressions  ;  let  your  time  be  employed  in 
that  course  of  reading,  which  inspires  virtue, 
whose  natural  delineations  affect  the  breast  with 
gentle  emotions,  without  rending  it.  When  this 
power  has  taken  possession  of  the  heart,  it  will 
shew  itself  in  your  public  discourses.  You  have 
then  only  to  yield  to  its  impressions;  iind  when 
you  come  to  deliver  your  subject  from  the  pulpit, 
your  enunciation,  whilst  it  evinces  your  meaning, 
will  communicate  your  portion  of  sensibility  to  your 
auditory. 

In  order  that  your  Sermons  may  produce  the 
effect  intended  by  them,  you  must  endeavour  to 
rehearse  them  from  memory.  Have  you  then  a 
memory  adapted  to  that  purpose  ?  Can  you,  with- 
out occupying  too  much  time,  and  giving  too 
great  diligence,  learn  your  Sermon,  so  as  to  de- 
liver it  with  ease,  and  repeat  it  without  embarrass- 
ment ?  Memory  is,  like  sensibility,  strengthen- 
ed by  exercise.  I  know  it.  You  cannot  have 
finished  your  academical  studies,  without  hav- 
ing frequently  exerted  your  memery,  and  tried 
its  power.  You  can,  therefore,  form,  in  this  res- 
pect, a  tolerably  competent  judgment  of  your- 
self. 


260 


If  your  memory  be  treacherous,  and  you  cannot 
depend  upon  it — how  will  you  be  distinguished 
in  a  profession,  of  which  it  is  a  principal  requisite  ? 
If  you  attempt  to  repeat  your  Sermon,  and  do  not 
perfectly  recollect  it,  you  occasion  great  distress 
to  your  audience :  and  how  can  you  give  that 
freedom  to  your  utterance,  and  that  action  to  your 
elocution,  which  are  indispensable  towards  pro- 
ducing a  high  effect  ?  If  you  hesitate,  you  deprive 
your  delivery  of  the  advantages  it  has  over  read- 
ing. In  that  case,  rather  read,  than  attempt  to 
repeat  ;  or,  I  would  say,  rather  give  up  the  pulpit 
for  ever,  where  there  is  a  barrier  to  your  success, 
and  which,  if  you  have  any  attachment  to  your 
profession,  or  respect  for  yourself,  will  produce 
in  you  only  uneasiness  and  mortification.* 

But  in  vain  do  you  possess  an  unruffled  memory, 
if  your  audience  lose  any  parts  of  your  discourse, 
through  the  weakness  of  the  organ  which  is  to  trans- 
mit it  to  them.  A  clear  loud  voice,  which  can,  with- 
out straining  or  effort,  be  distinctly  heard  by  a  nu- 


*  To  address  the  congregation,  is  the  mode  of  speaking 
both  the  most  pleasing  and  useful  to  the  auditory,  and  at  the 
same  time,  the  most  natural  and  satisfactory  to  the  orator  ; 
by  which,  I  mean,  the  directing  his  voice  both  to  the  right  and 
left :  to  be  able  to  do  this  oratorically,  he  must  know  his  Ser- 
mon thoroughly,  and  by  glancing  his  eye  upon  it,  as  he  turns 
his  head  from  one  side  to  the  other — for  there  should  be  scarce 
any  motion  of  his  person — he  will  have  the  appearance  of  re- 
peating, whilst  he  possesses  the  advantage  of  frequent  recourse 
^.0  his  manu-script. 


261 

merous  assembly,  is  a  happy  and  an  invaluable 
(piality  in  an  orator.  A  powerful  voice  commands 
the  attention,  and  prevents  the  distraction  of  mind, 
which  is,  alas  !  too  prevalent  in  the  best  disposed 
congregations.  It  is  not  only  requisite,  tliat  every 
individual  should,  without  being  eagerly  intent, 
and  throughout  every  part  of  the  Church,  hear 
the  Preacher ;  but  it  is  also  requisite,  that  it 
should  be  impossible  not  to  hear  him  ;  and  that 
the  sound  should  be  clear  and  full,  even  when  he 
is  giving  the  utmost  melody  to  his  periods. 

It  is  not  always  that  a  voice  is  of  sufficient 
extent,  and  it  is  not  always  that  a  public  speaker 
is  an  orator.  It  has  happened  to  me,  more  than 
once,  to  have  been  present  at  a  Sermon^  and  not 
to  have  heard  it :  many  others  were  in  the  same 
predicament.  What  signified  it,  therefore,  whe- 
ther the  Sermon  was  good  or  bad  ?  The  Preacher 
may,  under  shelter  of  one  defect,  conceal  many. 

Monotony  is  one  of  the  natural  and  unhappy 
attendants  upon  a  feeble  enunciation.  The  orator, 
possessing  only  a  small  compass  of  voice,  cannot 
vary  his  cadence.  It  is  still  worse  if  he  make  any 
eiforts  to  be  heard  :  he  then  does  not  speak  ;  he 
only  squeaks  ;  his  voice  becomes  unnatural  ;  he 
has  only  one  tone,  and  it  offends  the  ear. 

Exercise,  it  is  said,  strengthens  the  voice,  gives 
it  power  and  extent ;  this  is  true,   when  the  weak- 

2    H 


262 


ncss  is  in  the  organ  only  ;  when  the  voice  wants 
merely  to  be  exerted,  and  to  have  a  more  amj^e 
range.  But  if  this  defect,  as  it  often  happens, 
arises  from  the  lungs,  it  cannot  be  overcome^ 
except  at  the  risque  of  one's  health,  or,  it  may  be, 
of  life. 

The  chief  means  of  remedying  the  weakness  of 
the  organs,  is  to  articulate  very  distinctly.  Clear- 
ness of  pronunciation  will  contribute  to  make 
you  heard  more  than  the  greatest  exertion  of  voice  ; 
the  syllables  should,  in  succession,  strike  the  ear, 
and  this  should  be  the  object  of  unceasing  atten- 
tion. You  will  form  a  very  erroneous  j  udgment,, 
if  you  take  the  tone  of  familiar  conversation  as  a 
rule  for  a  public  discourse.  In  the  one  case,  you 
speak,  if  I  may  be  allowed  the  expression,  to  the 
ear  of  your  hearer,  and  nothing  escapes  him  :  in 
the  other,  the  word  has  to  find  his  ear — to  reach 
hm  at  the  extremities  of  a  large  building  ;  feeble 
sounds  never  arrive  there  ;  and  if  even  the  pronun- 
ciation is  not  unusually  distinct,  nothing  is  heard 
in  the  remote  parts  of  the  Church,  but  sounds 
Vv'hich  are  altogether  inarticulate. 

Clearness  of  pronunciation  is,  to  the  ear,  what 
clearness  of  perception  is  to  the  mind  ;  we  must 
express  ourselves  without  embarrassment,  to  be 
heard  ;  and  we  may  apply  to  the  delivery  of  a  dis- 
course, what  Quintilian  said  of  the  discourse  itself  • 
Prima  virtus  orationis pei'spicuitas. 


263 

I  suppose,  then,  you  possess  those  elemental 
qualities,  I  have  briefly  mentioned,  and  which  con- 
stitute the  very  first  principles  of  elocution;  yoii 
are  now  about  to  commence  your  vocation. 

Do  you  knov/,  my  friend,  how  to  read  ?  This 
question  may  astonish  you  ;  but  you  may  have 
read  a  great  deal,  without  knowing  how  to  read. 
— There  are  some  Preachers,  who,  arrived  at 
old  age,  have  read  all  their  life,  and  who  are, 
themselves,  the  evidences,  that  good  reading  is 
veiy  rare. 

'  To  read,   is  not  to  collect  letters,  and  syllables ; 
it  is  not  to  pronounce  words   and  sentences  :  it 
is   to  express  the  sense  of  these  sentences  ;  it  is 
to  represent  the  thoughts  of  a  discourse,    in  their 
appropriate  colours.     It   is   to  blend  the  different 
passages,   in  such   a  manner  as  not  to  injure  each 
other  ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  to  give  to   each  mu- 
tual strength  and  assistance.     It  is  to  distinguish, 
by  the  accent,  what  is  only  argumentative,    from 
what   is  pathetic    and  oratorical  ;  it  is  to  discern 
any  important  end  in  a  sentence,  in  order  to  de- 
tach it  from  the  rest,  and  express  it  without  affec- 
tation, and  without  the  appearance  of  design  ;  it  is 
to  convey  the   idea,   rather  than  the  expressions, 
the  sentiments,  rather  than  the  words  ;  it  is  to  fol- 
low the  impulse  of  the  discourse,  in  such  a  man- 
ner, that  the  delivery  may  be  quick  or  slow,  mild 
or  impetuous,  according  to  the  emotions  it  should 
e:xcite. 


264 


To  read,  is  to  express,  by  variations  of  voice,  the 
comforts  arising  from  the  consciousness  of  inno- 
cence, and  the  horrors,  from  the  instigations  of 
vice  ;  the  warmth  of  zeal,  and  coolness  of  indif- 
ference ;  indignation,  fear,  pity,  and  benevolence  ; 
the  blessings  and  chastisements  of  God  ;  the  pride 
and  misery  of  man  ;  the  supplications  to  the  Su- 
preme Being,  and  the  pathetic  exhortations  to  sin- 
ful men.  In  short,  to  read,  is  to  distinguish  our 
several  thoughts  and  sentiments,  by  inflections  of 
voice,  which  should,  at  once,  describe  their  mean- 
ing, and  impress  their  power. 

When  you  have  got  the  better,  if  it  be  possible, 
of  all  provincial  accent,  and  your  pronunciation  is 
pure  and  correct ;  when  you  have  accustomed 
yourself  to  read  aloud,  with  feeling,  and  varying 
your  tones,  in  such  a  way,  that  what  you  read, 
maybe  well  understood ;  then,  progressively,  raise 
your  voice,  three  or  four  notes  higher  than  the 
common  tone  :  and  do  not  appear  in  the  pulpit, 
until  you  have  many  times  repeated  this  useful 
experiment. 

Timidity,  when  its  influence  is  greatly  predo- 
minant, disconcerts  ;  it  prevents  the  exertion  of 
talent.  On  the  other  hand,  presumptuous  confi- 
dences prejudices  an  auditory  against  the  speaker, 
who  should,  by  all  means,  preposses  their  good- 
will. Keep  then,  a  wise  mean.  Appear,  at  least, 
to  entertain  a  very  modest  opinion  of  yourself, 
which  has  always  the  effect  of  disarming  criticism, 


265 


and  conciliating  the  esteem  of  a  congregation.  I 
have  seen  Preachers,  who,  to  practice  a  little  de- 
ceit on  themselves,  and  thereby  shun  the  distrac- 
tions which  their  timidity  might  occasion,  fix  their 
eyes  on  a  pillar  of  the  church*,  and  address  their 
discourse,  exclusively,  to  it.  This  mode  of 
speaking  is  not  judicious.  The  Preacher  loses 
by  it  all  the  warmth  of  his  zeal,  and  destroys  the 
effect  of  the  expression  of  countenance.  It  is  the 
assembly  he  ought  to  look  in  the  face.  To  them 
he  proposes  his  questions ;  to  them  he  addresses 
the  reasoning  of  his  propositions,  the  gentleness 
of  his  reproofs,  and  the  earnestness  of  his  exhort- 
ations. It  is  the  assembly  which  animates  the  ora- 
tor, which  inspires  him  with  suitable  tones,  and 
with  a  pleasing  cadence.  How,  without  looking 
continually  around, him,  can  he  perceive,  whether 
the  attention  of  his  congregation  is  supported,  or 
relaxed  ?  And  how  can  he  again  attract  it,  when 
it  has  been  suffered  to  escape,  but  by  redoubled 
zeal,  and  a  more  impassioned  address  ? 

Scarcely  has  the  Preacher  opened  his  mouth 
than  a  religious  fascination  inspires  the  audience. 
He  is  no  longer  an  ordinary  person.  He  is  an 
heavenly  ambassador,  invested  with  divine  autho- 

*  Vvhen  a  Clergyman  preaches  in  a  Church,  with  which  he 
is  not  at  all  acquainted,  to  direct  his  voice,  at  the  beginning  of 
his  sermon,  to  a  distant  object,  is  not  injudicious.  Dr.  Hinch- 
iifte,  the  late  bishop  of  Peterborough,  always  did  so,  and  he 
was,  during  his  life,  considered  one  of  the  best  preachers  in 
the  Church  of  England. 


266 

rity :  his  language,  his  accents,  assume  a  more 
grave  and  solemn  character  than  those  of  a  mere 
man.  Happy,  if  nothing  throughout  the  discourse 
happen  to  dissipate  the  illusion,  and  divert  the  at- 
tention of  the  auditory  1 

You  comprehend,  that  it  is  not  necessary, 
in  the  exordium  of  your  discourse,  to  give  your- 
self up  to  declamation.  If  you  except  these 
cases  when  the  Preacher  seems  overcome  with 
a  thought  which  prepossesses  him;  when  he 
communicates  to  his  auditory,  a  powerful  im- 
pulse, the  effect  of  his  preceding  meditations ; 
except,  I  say,  these  cases,  which  are  rare,  you 
(  should  enter  on  your  discourse  with  composure, 
elegance,  and  simplicity. 

We  see  Preachers  who  seem  to  be  exhausted 
w^ith  their  exordium.  They  elevate  their  voice 
to  the  highest  pitch  at  the  very  commencement. 
Did  that  exordium  constitute  the  whole  of  the 
Sermon,  they  would  not  be  reprehensible  ;  but  it 
is  only  an  introduction ;  and  when  they  come  to 
the  main  point  of  the  subject,  they  are  not  able 
to  support  the  power  with  which  they  set  out ; 
and  their  discourse  appears  like  a  monster,  with 
a  large  head  and  a  meagre  body. 

Let  the  mildness  of  your  exordium  prescribe  to 
you  the  proper  tone  in  which  it  requires  to  be  deli- 
vered. Your' guarded  gesture  should  corrcpond 
■ivith  it,  and  all  action  should  be  restrained-    An  ex- 


267 

ordium,  indeed,  is  not  always  necessary ;  some- 
times a  preacher  enters  on  the  subject  without  a 
previous  introduction. 

I  do  not  hesitate  to  prefer,  in  a  Sermon,  divisions 
formally  announced,  to  those  which  are  only  inti- 
mated by  transitions,  in  the  arrangement  of  the 
discourse.  This  last  method,  is  doubtless,  the 
most  oratorical,  but,  certainly,  not  the  best  adapted 
to  assist  the  memory  of  those  Avho  pay  little  at- 
tention. 

In  printed  discourses  I  prefer  divisions,  rather 
implied  th?ji  expressed,  where  the  reader  can  re- 
view the  plan  which  the  author  has  traced, — 
Whereas,  in  a  discourse,  which  is  to  be  delivered, 
clear  divisions  are  necessary,  for  the  sake  of  re- 
membering what  has  been  spoken.  It  is  the 
handle  of  a  vase,  in  the  taking  hold  of  which,  every 
thing  it  contains,  goes  with  it  ;  but  if  it  has  no 
handle,  and  is  out  of  our  reach,  its  contents  are  lost 
to  us. 

After  having  fixed  the  attention  of  your  audience 
on  the  plan  you  propose  to  follow,  you  then  fully 
open  your  discourse,  and  pass,  by  means  of  transi- 
tion, from  one  point  to  another. 

It  is  by  incorporating  argument  and  eloquence, 
doctrine  and  exhortation,  precept  and  address,  that 
you  are  enabled  to  vary  your  delivery  ;  if,  at  least. 


268 

your  mode  of  speaking  corresponds  to  your  plan  of 
composition. 

Most  of  the  French  Catholic  Preachers^  are  full 
of  fire  ;  but  as  they  begin  they  conclude  ;  the  whole 
discourse  is  a  constant  peroration.*  Let  me  not 
be  mistaken  ; — a  tone  always  exalted  ;  a  severe 
system  of  morality  ;  singularity  of  sentiment,  and 
extravagance  of  hyperbole,  are  only  the  characters 
of  vehemence,  and  by  no  means  denote  the  excel- 
lence of  the  Preacher.  I  would  rather  un-do,  than 
over-do,  the  thing :  what  does  not  attain  the  propos- 
ed end,  is  but  feeble;  what  exceeds  it,  is  ridiculous. 

There  are  some  cases  in  the  delivery,  where  the 
manner  of  speaking  depends  entirely  on  the  prece- 
ding parts.  After,  for  instance,  some  very  ve- 
hement passages,  the  more  tranquil  should  gra- 
dually abate  of  their  force  ;  the  waves  of  an  agi- 
tated sea  do  not  calm  immediately,  although  the 
w^ind  ceases. 

Would  you  be,  indeed,  distinguished — be  simply 
elegant,  and  uniformly  proper — be  calm,  in  general, 
in  order  to  be  vehement,  when  the  juncture  shall 
arrive.    Reserve  your  oratorical  powers  for  the  con- 

*  Nolwithstauding  this  censure  passed  upon  the  Catholic 
Preachers,  sure  I  am,  that  their  Sermons,  if  judiciously  abridg- 
ed, andadupted  to  an  Engiish  Protestant  congregation,  would 
produce  tlie  highest  effects.  The  Preacher,  who  would  thus 
pTcpare  them,  would,  I  doubt  not,  have  an  auditory,  both  en- 
crea!=ing  in  numbers,  and  improving  iii  morals. 


269 

elusion  of  your  discourse,  when  you  apply  more 
particularly  to  your  audience,  the  general  truths 
which  you  have  been  propounding. 

In  avoiding  monotony,  that  is,  a  tone  uniformly 
the  same,  be  careful  not  to  fall  into  what  is  called  a 
whine  or  cant,  which  is  still  more  insupportable 
than  monotony  itself.  This  whine  or  cant,  con- 
5>ists  in  the  use  of  two  or  three  tones,  which  return 
in  the  same  order,  and  terminate  by  the  same  fall ; 
the  Preacher  acquires  these  bad  habits,  when  the 
weakness  of  his  voice  forbids  the  variety  of  neces- 
sary tones,  or  when  habit  takes  the  place  of  sense 
and  of  earnestness.  This  fault  is  intolerable  to  an 
audience,  and  not  infrequently,  renders  preaching 
useless. 

I  much  Vv^ish,  that  young  Preachers  would  not 
neglect  any  means  of  forming  their  voice,  and  im- 
proving their  ear.  Some  know^ledge  of  vocal  mu- 
sic* would  be  very  useful  to  them  ;  the  practice  of 
it  would  acquaint  them  With  many  secrets. 

What  I  remark  on  the  voice,  may,  in  many  res- 
pects, be  said  of  action.  It  ought  to  be  just,  ex- 
pressive, simple,  and  at  the  same  time  vai'ied.  But 

*  I  once  heard  the  following  remark  made  by  a  Clergyman, 
who  is  an  ornament  to  his  profession^  and  it  is  consonant  to  ge- 
neral observation  : — "  The  recommendation  of  vocal  nmsic 
seems  equivocal,  and  is  not  founded  on  experience,  since  I 
have  known  the  fmest  singers  and  players  unable  to  read  well, 
and  on  the  contrarv,  excellent  readers  make  very  bad  •fingers.'"' 

2  I 


270 

what  gives  expression  to  action?  What  are  its 
defects  and  qualities?  Are  there  any  rules  to  follow 
concerning  it  ?  We  have  no  fixed  model  to  con- 
sult, as  we  have  on  written  eloquence.  We  must 
collect  transient  observations,  and  determine  he- 
tween  disputed  principles. 

Action  is  indispensably  necessary  in  the  art  of 
oratory  ;  it  is  dictated  by  feeling,  emotion,  and 
zeal,  and  is  not  always  regulated  without  difficulty. 
Observe  the  drawings  of  great  painters,  in  their 
representation  of  the  action  which  they  give  to 
persons.  Junius,  in  his  treatise  on  the  painting 
of  the  ancients,  says,  that  the  hands  assist  the 
v/ords,  that  they  can  demand,  promise,  call,  detest, 
interrogate,  refuse,  and  declare  the  different  affec- 
tions of  the  soul.  Action  is  the  means  by  which 
the  dumb  make  themselves  understood:  by  it 
they  express  all  their  sentiments,  and  convey  all 
their  thoughts. 

Gesture  is  very  common  and  familiar  to  persons 
who  are  quick  and  lively  ;  it  is  less  so  with  sedate 
and  quiet  people.  The  Italians  use  much  gesticu- 
lation when  they  speak  ;  it  is  not  the  case  with  the 
inhabitants  of  the  more  northern  countries.  In 
France,  where  exterior  appearance  is  so  much  stu- 
died<,  good  taste  suppresses  all  gesture  ;  the  wo- 
men, especially,  who  pass  for  the  most  accomplish- 
ed, absolutely  renounce  it,  finding,  no  doubt,  that 
it  is  much  easier  to  abstain  from,  than  to  regulate 
it.     Their  conversation  would,   in   consequence. 


271 

appear  uninteresting,  did  they  not  supply  the  place 
of  action,  by  a  cadence  in  their  speech,  and  an  case 
in  their  deportment. 

An  orator,  without  action,  would deprivehimscli' 
of  one  great  means  of  persuasion  and  effect  ;  his 
eloquence  would  be  unaffecting,  and  would  be  des- 
titute both  of  its  charms  and  power. 

Gesture  should  not  approach  to  pantomime. 
Too  much  repeated,  and  too  vehement,  it  fatigues 
the  eyes,  and  loses  its  excellence. 

If  any  profound  sentiment  affect  you ;  if  you 
speak  of  any  thing  which  inspires  you  with  rever- 
ence, as  God,  His  Providence,  and  adorable  Per. 
fections,  gesture  is  then,  altogether,  unseasonable  ; 
more  especially,  if  you  introduce  the  Divinity  as 
speaking  unto  man,  let  a  perfect  composure  have 
place  throughout  your  whole  frame ;  as  gesture 
and  action  could  give  neither  power  to  your  Ian- 
guage,  nor  dignity  to  your  sentiments. 

If  you  have  any  principle  to  establish,  any  feel- 
ing to  describe,  call  in  action  to  your  assistance  ; 
but  let  it  be  grave  and  chaste,  and  not  intemper- 
ate and  ludicrous.  The  violent  motion  of  the 
hands  is  not  less  offensive,  than  the  babbling  of  the 
tongue  ;  there  is  a  dignity  peculiar  to  the  pulpit, 
which  is  violated  by  unseemly  action. 

Action   should   be   free  and  unrestrained.     It 


^72 

ihould  proceed  from  the  shoulders;  that  which 
arises  from  the  elbow,  and,  more  especially,  from 
the  hands,  is  not  sufficiently  dignified.  When 
your  period  is  finished,  let  your  action  cease:  and 
do  not  use  a  variety  of  gestures  to  express  one  idea. 

The  two  arms,  only,   can  contribute  to  action. 
Be  careful,  when  you  use  them  together,  that  their 
motions  correspond.     Their  want  of  concord  would 
be  as  offensive  to  the  eye,  as  harshness  of  sound  is' 
grating  to  the  ear. 

In  general,  when  one  hand  only  is  used,  the  right 
should  be  preferred.  Not  that  it  has  any  advan- 
tage over  the  left ;  but  whether  it  is  that  a  public 
speaker  is  more  accustomed  to  use  it,  or  that  the 
eye  is  more  habituated  to  the  use  of  it,  the  action 
of  the  left  hand  seldom  appears  graceful. 

Some  writers  on  oratory  have  endeavored  to  pre- 
scribe bounds  to  the  height  the  action  of  the  hand 
should  be  carried  :  do  not,  it  has  been  said  by  some 
let  it  pass  the  head  ;  by  others,  let  your  passions 
direct  you  ;  and  if  they  impel  you  to  raise  your  hands 
above  your  head,  they  will  produce  no  bad  effect. 
It  is,  then,  nature  which  dictates  it.  Nature,  alone, 
should  limit  you  in  your  animating  exclamations  ; 
and  in  an  ardent  invocation,  and  in  a  transport  of 
admiration,  nature,  alone,  should  be  your  guide. 

But  let  your  action  be  always  just ;  there  are  some 
men,   in  whom  it  is,  unfortunately,  alwa^ys  false. 


273 


Having  neither  judgment  nor  ear,  their  action  is 
never  what  it  should  be. 

Should  this,  unhappily,  be  your  case,  discard 
action  altogether.  It  is  much  better  to  deprive 
yourself  of  its  advantages,  were  it  even  unexcep- 
tionable, than  to  make  it  either  embarrass  your 
periods,  or  give  them  a  contrary  meaning.  Just 
action,  and  a  correct]  udgment,  usually  go  together. 
Nature  seldom  allows  the  perfection  of  one,  with 
the  absence  of  the  other. 

The  action  which  would  attempt  to  express 
w^ords,  af  which  a  sentence  is  composed,  would 
evidently  fail  in  its  effect.  It  would  be  as  offensive 
as  trifling ;  it  is  the  general  meaning,  and  predo. 
minant  idea  which  should  be  conveved.  But  how 
is  this  to  be  accomplished  ?  It  cannot  be  taught. 
Judgment,  taste,  and  above  all,  good  models  will 
illustrate  it. 

To  vary  the  gesture  is  a  talent,  and  this  talent 
leads  to  correctness ;  for,  if  the  turn  of  a  discourse 
varies  considerably,  the  action  in  order  to  express 
it,  ought  to  vary  likewise.  When  a  Preacher  has 
only  one  gesture,  it  will,  necessarily,  be  incorrect 
or  insignificant :  notwithstanding  which,  a  dull 
Tmiformity  of  action  is  the  common  defect  of 
Preachers.  The  whole  eloquence  of  the  person,  at 
least,  with  many  Preachers,  consists  in  spreading 
their  hands,  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  them  with  a 


274 


loud  noise^,  and  in  continually  repeating  this  peri- 
odical motion.  Thus  they  make  the  auditor  the 
victimoftheirunskilfulness  ;  they  torment  his  eyes, 
and  wound  his  ears,  without  mercy,  by  means  in- 
judiciously designed  to  attach  and  please  them. 

The  arms  and  hands  are  not  the  only  instru- 
ments of  action  ;  the  whole  person  ought  to  concur 
in  it.  The  positions  of  the  body  should  vary,  some- 
times by  turning  to  the  right  f,  and  sometimes  to 
the  left.  I  have  often  regretted,  that  our  pulpits  J 
were  not,  as  in  many  places  in  Italy,  formed  like 
a  tribune,  where  the  Preacher  could  move  at 
liberty. 

Expression  of  countenance,  the  fire*  and  energy 
of  the  looks,  add  greatly  to  the  manner  of  delivery ; 
the  turn  of  the  eyes  is  a  species  of  action,  which 
gives  life  to  eloquence. 

These  various  talents  are  only  means  to  add  ef- 
ficacy to  the  action  of  the  Preacher.    To  action,  all 

*  This  censure  equally  applies  to  the  Methodists,  Calvi- 
nists,  Independents,  &c. 

t  In  small  Churches  no  inconvenience  may  arise  from  fol- 
lowing these  directions,  but  in  a  large  building,  where  the  pul- 
pit is  central,  whilst  the  person  of  the  Preacher  is  turned  to- 
wards one  half  the  congregation,  the  other  is  generally  pre- 
vented from  hearing. 

\  IVIany  of  the  English  pulpits  ai^,  it  is  true,  sufficiently 
awkward :  but  such  as  M.  Reybaz  proposes,  would  only  tend 
to  make  the  speaker  theatrical,  and  Avould  totally  destroy  the 
solemnity  of  the  preaching. 


275 

the  observations  I  have  made,  exckisively  relate. 
It  is  the  vehicle  of  thoughts  and  feelings,  with 
which  a  Minister  can  more  sensibly  aSect  his 
audience.  To  say  that  a  preacher  has  just  and  ap- 
propriate action,  is  to  say,  he  possesses,  in  an  emi- 
nent degree,  all  the  exterior  qualities  of  an  orator, 
in  alliance  with  the  liveliness  which  gives  to  these 
qualities  their  power,  and  determines  their  effects. 

Demosthenes  being  asked,  in  what  eloquence 
consisted  J  centered  the  whole  in  action ;  and  re- 
peated the  same  word  three  time,  as  if  he  had  said, 
it  included  every  thing,  and  that  eloquence  could 
not  exist,  independent  of  it.  I  contrast  action  with 
the  coolness  of  those  orators,  little  deserving  of 
the  name,  with  those  Ministers  of  habit,  who  do 
not,  themselves,  feel  the  truths  of  which  they  are 
commissioned  to  make  others  sensible  ;  or,  who 
are  absolutely  indifferent  to  the  religion  which 
they  preach,  and  the  effect  it  is  intended  to  pro- 
duce. 

I  do  not  hesitate  to  pronounce,  however  influ- 
enced we  may  be  by  custom,  that  the  effect  of  elo- 
quence is  astonishing.  Compose  an  indifferent 
discourse,  and  repeat  it  perfectly,  you  will  satisfy 
your  audience  much  more,  than  with  an  excellent 
sermon,  delivered  with  disgusting  monotony,  or 
lifeless  utterance. 

How  many  times  have  we  been  delighted  with  the 
delivery  of  a  composition,  the  perusal  of  which  we 


276 

could  not  endure  ?  And,  on  the  contrary,  how  often 
has  a  work,  which  pleased  us  in  the  reading  ap- 
peared otherwise  when  spoken  ?  what  inference 
shall  we  draw  from  this  ?  That  elocution  is  an  im- 
portant art ;  and  that  a  Preacher  cannot  apply 
himself  to  it  too  attentively  ;  not  for  the  purpose 
of  giving  effect  to  a  bad  discourse,  but  to  exhibit 
with  ail  its  advantages,  a  sermon,  convincing  by 
its  argument,  and  efficacious  by  its  persuasion. 

You  will  find,  in  the  History  of  Eloquence,  that 
the  orator  owes  his  success,  principally,  to  decla- 
mation. The  harangues  of  Pericles,  produced,  in 
his  mouth,  the  highest  effect.  He  published 
them  ;  but  Quintilian  esteemed  them  unworthy  of 
the  reputation  they  had  acquired.  The  Minister 
Du  Bosc  was  deputed  by  the  Protestant  Clergy 
to  address  to  Louis  XIV.  their  remonstrances. 
I  have  just  heard,  said  that  Prince,  tlie  finest 
Preacher  in  my  kingdom.  The  extreme  feeble- 
ness of  the  Sermons  published  by  Du  Bosc, 
strongly  prepossess  us  in  favour  of  his  exterior 
eloquence. 

There  are  three ^  sorts  of  declamation ;  that  of 
the  Pulpit,  of  the  Theatre,  and  of  the  Bar.  But  as 
each  has  a  species  of  eloquence  peculiar  to  itself, 
so  it  hath  of  declamation  likewise.  Whatever  it  is 
that  a   person  repeats,  he  should  always  consider 

*  M.  Reybaz  knew  nothing  of  the  Eloquence  of  the  British 
Parliament,  which  surpasses  often  the  eloquence  of  the  Pulpit* 
even  in  Franch. 


277 

who  It  is  that  speaks — who  are  the  people  addres  - 
sed — ^ what  ought  to  be  the  subject  matter  of  the 
discourse — and  under  what  circumstances  the  au- 
ditory is  convened.  These  considerations  regulate 
the  art  of  speaking. 

The  Preacher  commonly  speaks  to  instruct  the 
•assembly ;  he  is  transported  with  the  emotions  he 
endeavours  to  excite.  If  he  feel  sensibly,  if  he  be 
sometimes  moved  to  tears,  he  has  always  in  view 
the  welfare  of  his  audience :  the  declamation  of  the 
Preacher  will  be  influenced  by  that  single  motive  ; 
the  whole  tenor  of  his  action  will  be  to  persuade 
the  affections,  and  to  impress  the  heart. 

One  successful  method  of  an  orator's  conciliating: 
the  esteem  of  his  audience  is,  by  the  observance 
of  oratorical  decorum.  It  is  not  becoming  in  a 
young  Preacher  to  censure  old  age  with  severity  ; 
it  is  not  becoming  in  him  to  be  austere  in  his  sys- 
tem of  morality,  to  declaim  against  permitted 
pleasures,  and  not  to  allow  any  thing  to  human 
weakness.  It  is  not  becoming  in  him  whose  situ- 
ation in  life  is  obscure,  to  inveigh  loudly  against 
riches,  nor  to  censure,  indiscriminately,  the  appli- 
cation of  them,  as  he  will  only  subject  himself  to 
the  suspicion  of  envy.  He  must  take  care,  at  the 
Festivals  of  the  Church,  and  on  days  set  apart,  by 
authority,  for  solemn  worship,  not  to  preach  on 
moral  subjects  which  have  been  often  discussed, 
since  they  will  not  be  esteemed  judicious  and  ap- 
propriate. 

2  K 


278 

Be  attentive  to  what  your  age,  your  rank  in  the 
Church,  your  condition  in  society,  the  times,  pla- 
ces, and  persons  prescribe  to  you  to  say,  and  you 
will  preserve  decorum.  Religion  does  not  discard, 
but  enjoins  it ;  Religion  recommends  prudence, 
which  suggests  the  greatest  caution  in  not  wound- 
ing, unnecessarily,  the  feelings  of  others.  The 
Essay  of  the  Abbe  Mallet,  on  oratorical  decorum ^ 
is  worthy  of  your  serious  perusaL 

There  are  many  works  on  preaching :  the  aera 
of  Louis  XIV  produced  many,  and  the  seventeenth 
century  has  produced  more.  Much  as  may,  con- 
fessedly, be  gained  by  the  study  of  Treatises  on 
Oratory,  if  your  object  be  to  arrive  at  celebrity, 
as  a  Preacher,  still,  a  great  genius  is  far  superior 
to  their  instructions.  They  will  teach  you  to 
shun  the  defects  of  the  art ;  but  will  they  inspire 
you  with  its  beauties  ?  There  exists  a  natural 
relation  between  the  mode  of  speaking,  and  of 
w^hat  we  speak.  I  have  never  heard  an  eloquent 
composition  delivered,  by  the  Author,  in  an  un- 
graceful  and  uninteresting  manner. 

The  substance  of  all  the  rules  I  have  laid  down 
is  this,  that  a  Preacher  ought  not  merely  to  seeniy 
but  actually  TO  BE  impressed  with  the  truths  he 
delivers.  Let  a  truly  religious  disposition  prevail 
throughout  your  discourse.  Let  not  your  preach- 
ing be  such  as  will  be  flattering  to  yourself,  but 
adapted  to  the  improvem.ent  and  edification  of 
your  audience.     The  perfection  of  eloquence,  in  a 


279 

Christian  orator,  consists  in  forgetting  himself ; 
the  importance  of  what  he  is  delivering,  and  the 
effect  it  ought  to  produce,  should  suppress  all  con- 
sciousness of  his  own  talents. 

Above  all,  let  your  morals  be  correspondent  to 
your  doctrine.  Let  your  appearance  excite  the 
ideas  of  wisdom,  integrity,  and  piety.  By  your 
virtues,  attract  the  respect  and  confidence  of  man- 
kind, that  every  heart  may  be  disposed  to  profit 
by  your  instructions.  Justify,  by  your  example, 
the  definition  which  Quintilian  gave  of  an  orator, 
when  he  said — the  upright  is  the  eloquent  man. 

You  asked  me  for  instruction  in  the  Art  of 
Preaching,  persuaded  they  would  be  useful  to  you. 
If  I  have  been  fortunate  enough  to  answer  your 
expectations,  answer  mine  in  return.  May  you 
make  an  happy  application  of  the  principles  I  have 
laid  down.  May  your  ministry  flourish,  and  be 
productive  of  the  most  blessed  effects  !  May  you, 
by  the  successful  cultivation  of  the  Lord's  vine- 
yard, receive,  as  the  reward  of  your  labors,  not  the 
admiration  and  the  praises,  but  the  blessings,  of 
those  you  have  instructed,  consoled,  and  nourished, 
with  the  words  of  life  ! 

REYBAZ 


THOUGHTS 


COMPOSITION  OF  A  SERMON, 


AS    ADAPTED    TO 


THE  CHURCH  OF  ENGLAND. 


283 


THOUGHTS 


QH    THE 


COMPOSITION  OF  A  SERMON, 


AS    ADAPTED    TO 


THE  CHURCH  OF  ENGLAND. 


SO  many  are  the  Treatises  on  the  Composition 
of  a  Sermon,  produced  by  the  wisdom  of  the  learn- 
ed, and  the  zeal  of  the  pious,  that  to  attempt  to  add 
to  their  arguments,  or  to  illustrate  their  positions, 
may  subject  me  to  the  imputation  of  overweening 
vanity,  and  intolerable  arrogance.  But  by  such 
motives,  I  can  solemnly  assure  my  readers,  I  am 
not,  in  the  remotest  degree,  actuated.  Some  ob- 
servations contained  in  this  Essay  may  perhaps, 
be  useful  to  those  who  have  not  an  opportunity  of 
consulting  the  elaborate  and  philosophical  writings, 
which  accurately  examine,  and  clearly  explains  the 
several  parts  of  which  a  Sermon  is  composed ;  my 
intention  being  merely  to  submit  a  few  observa- 
tions, to  the  young  and  inexperienced,  and  make, 
at  the  same  time,  such  reflections,  as  may,  if  duly 
considered,  tend  to  introduce  among  such,  whose 
mode  of  writing  and  speaking  is  not  unalterably 


284 

fixed,   some    improvement   in  the   art   of   public 
preaching  in  the  EstabUshed  Church. 

Whoever  sits  down  to  write  a  Sermon  should 
first  examine,  whether  he  is  possessed  of  the  vari- 
ous requisites^  which  will  enable  him  to  produce  a 
composition,  creditable  to  himself,  and  advantage- 
ous to  his  hearers  ?  Has  he  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  the  Sacred  Writings  ?  Is  he  able  to  apply  them 
w^ith  exact  judgment,  and  uninterrupted  facility, 
in  the  support  of  an  evangelical  truth,  and  in  the 
extirpation  of  a  pernicious  error  ?  And  are  they 
so  familiar  to  him,  that  he  can  *,  by  incorporating 
their  language  with  his  own,  give  vigour  to  his 
thoughts,  and  ornament  to  his  style ;  convey  in- 
formation to  the  mind,  delight  to  the  imagination, 
and  piety  to  the  heart  ?  Can  he,  by  a  diligent  stu- 
dy of  the  best  writers  in  divinity,  adduce  the 
strongest  arguments,  and  combine  the  clearest 
ideas,  which  the  nature  of  the  subject  requires  ? 
I  speak  not  of  taste,  philosophy,  logic,  philology, 
and  classical  learning — with  each  of  which,  I  sup- 
pose him  to  have  become,  to  a  certain  extent,  ac- 
quainted in  the  University.  I  speak  not  of  a 
knowledge  of  the  human  heart,  it  being  a  book, 
which  a  young  man  cannot,  in  general,  have  very 
diligently  inspected. 

*  Th^  admirable  Sermons  of  Archbishop  Seeker,  are,  in  tliis 
respect,  the  very  best  models  :  it  is  peculiar  to  that  distinguish- 
ed Prelate,  to  express  his  thoughts  m  the  beautiful  language 
of  the  Sacred  Writings. 


285 


If  he  be  possessed  of  talent  which  enables  him 
to  compose,  he  will  next  consider,  what  is  the  de- 
sign of  a  Sermon  ?  It  is  to  illustrate  God's  Book, 
and  to  persuade  the  assembly,  to  whom  the  com- 
position is  to  be  addressed,  to  become  God's  peo- 
ple :  it  is  to  combat  with  power,  and  eradicate  with 
effect,  the  prevalence  of  open,  and  the  propensity  to 
secret,  sins.  The  undertaking  is  bold,  the  task  dif- 
ficult, the  success  uncertain.  The  Preacher, 
therefore,  not  only  previous  to  the  entering  on  his 
labor,  but  throughout  every  part  of  it,  should  be- 
seech the  Almighty  to  endow  him  with  a  spirit,  to 
think  only  what  he  can  approve.  For,  becoming 
as  we  do,  in  a  more  especialmanner  w^hen  we  com- 
pose public  discourses,  *'  laborei's  with  God ;" 
employing  ourselves,  professedly,  w^hen  we  illus- 
trate evangelical  truth,  in  the  more  immediate  ser- 
vice of  our  Master,  we  can  scarce  expect  to  be 
accounted  worthy  to  promote  his  glory,  which 
should  be  our  sovereign  aim,  if  we  neglect  to  sup- 
plicate by  fervent  prayer,  the  direction  and  assist- 
ance which  are  graciously  promised,  and  individu- 
ally given,  to  all  diligent  and  faithful  dispensers  of 
the  heavenly  w^ord.  ''  Form  yourselves  thorough- 
ly," says  Archbishop  Seeker,  ''  by  devout  medi- 
tations, and  fervent  prayer,  to  seriousness  of  heart, 
and  zeal  for  the  eternal  welfare  of  souls  :  for 
then  every  thing  else,  that  you  are  to  do,  will 
follow  of  course.     Every  sentence   we   write,  and 

The  reader  will  probably  be  gratified  by  seeing  the  scvcraJ 
observations  contained  in  this  volume,  supported  by  the  autho- 
rity of  the  venerable  Sfecker, 

2  L 


286 

every  thought  we  conceive,  should  be  with  thi^ 
impression  on  our  souls,  that  we  are  appointed  the 
ambassadors  of  him,  whom  *'  the  Lord  anointed 
*'  to  preach  good  tidings."  In  the  various  argu- 
ments therefore,  which  we  urge,  and  the  several 
addresses  which  we  make,  the  end  of  both  should 
be  to  *^  bind  up  the  broken  hearted,  to  proclaim 
**  liberty  to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the 
**  prison  to  them  that  are  bound."  I  mention, 
particularly,  the  habitually  pious  *  disposition, 
and  uniformly  devout  frame  of  mind,  in  which  a 
Sermon  should  be  composed  ;  because,  from 
many  of  those  discourses  which  we  both  read 
in  prints  and  hear  from  the  pulpit,  we  may, 
without  censure  or  uncharitableness,  conclude, 
that  their  authors  have  scarce  a  sense  of  the 
blessings  of  redemption  on  their  hearts  :  on 
which  account,  they  are,  it  may  be  presumed, 
delivered  without  feeling,  heard  without  inter = 
est,  and  read  without  effect.  Religion  and  piety 
must  be  inscribed,  in  indelible  characters  on  the 


*  "  A  fervent  desire  of  being  useful,  will  teach  you  more  than 
any  particular  directions  can  upon  every  head.  Without  this 
desire,  you  will^  either  be  negligent  ;  or  if  you  would  seem 
zealous,  you  will  be  detected  for  want  of  uniformity  and  perse- 
verance. Therefore  make  sure  first  that  all  be  right  within, 
and  out  of  the  good  treasure  of  the  hearty  you  ivUl  bring  forth 
good  things^  naturally  and  prudently,  and  through  the  Grace  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  effectually.  It  is  not  easy  inded  even  to  in- 
struct the  willing  ;  much  less  to  convince  the  unwilling,  and 
reform  the  wicked.  But  still  these  are  the  purposes  for  which 
we  are  God's  Ambassadors." — Abp.  Secker. 


287 

mind  and  soul  of  a  composer,  who'  aspires  to  be- 
come, as  a  Preacher  of  the  Gospel,  an  instrument, 
in  the  hands  of  Providence,  of  ''  turning  many  to 
"  righteousness."  Living  under  such  influence, 
he  prepares  a  discourse  to  be  addressed  to  an  as- 
sembly of  fallen  creatures,  alienated  from  God  and 
ReUgion,  for  whose  redemption  the  blood  of  the 
Son  of  God  was  shed,  and  to  whom  is  offered  a 
covenant  of  mercy,  very  generally,  either  egregi- 
ously  misunderstood,  stupidly  disregarded,  or  wil- 
fully transgressed.  Instead  of  producing  an  ab- 
stract philosophical  essay,  or  a  metaphysical  dis- 
quisition,  difficult  to  the  writer  to  express,  and,  in 
consequence,  to  the  hearer  to  comprehend,  he 
cheerfully  sacrifices  all  parade  of  learning,  and  os- 
tentation of  knowledge,  and  confines  himself  to 
the  elucidafion  of  the  *  Evangelical  Covenant. 
The  congregation  he  is  to  address,  he  esteems  as 
his  children.  **  He  has  them,  therefore,  in  his 
"heart;"  and  the  expressions  of  his  desire  for 
their  welfare,  and  of  his  zeal  for  their  happiness, 
are  manifested,  in  his  solicitude  to  reclaim  them 
from  the   seductions  of  negligence,  to  withdraw 

*  "  Though  the  Science  of  Morals  and  natural  Religion  is 
highly  to  be  valued,  yet  the  Doctrines  and  Precepts  of  the 
Gospel  require  your  principal  Regard  beyond  all  Comparison. 
It  is  of  the  Gospel  that  you  are  Ministers  :  all  other  Learning 
will  leave  you  essentially  unqualified  ;  and  this  alone  compre- 
hends every  Thing  that  is  necessary.  Without  it,  you  will 
never  ap/irove  yourselves  to  God^  as  Workmen  that  need  not  to 
be  ashamed^  nor  make  your  Hearers  wzsew/z?o  Salvation ''~-Ahp. 


288 

them  from  the  paths  of  error,  and  to  deliver  them 
from  the  punishment  of  sin. 

Such  is  the  design  of  a  Sermon.  Whereas  judg- 
ing from  the  generality  of  English  discourses,  the 
object  of  one  writer,  seems  to  be  to  display  his  ta- 
lent of  reasoning,  of  another,  his  accuracy  of  ex- 
pression ;  of  a  third,  his  knowledge  of  Theology  ; 
but  to  give  men  a  comprehensive  idea  of  the  Gos- 
pel Covenant — to  persuade  them  to  bear  in  mind, 
in  their  whole  behaviour,  the  relation  in  which 
they  stand  to  their  Redeemer  and  Judge — to  consi- 
der themselves  as  the  Temple  of  God,  in  whom 
the  Almighty,  by  his  Spirit,  vouchsafes  to  dwell 
— appears  to  be  only  a  secondary  part  of  their 
design.  Be  our  attachment  to  our  excellent  esta- 
blishment ever  so  great,  we  are  compelled  to 
acknowledge,  that  the  Sermons  -*  usually  preached 
and  published,  are  not  so  animated  in  their  style, 


*  *'  I  have,"  says  a  popular  writer,  "  attempted  to  show, 
that  however  many  of  those  (Sermons)  may  be  esteemed  beau- 
tifiil  moralEssays,  they  are  devoid  of  that  evangelic  and  pasto- 
ral unction,  which  the  pulpit  demands  :  that  they  are  not  cal- 
culated to  reach  the  affections,  nor,  in  correspondence  with 
the  object  in  view,  either  to  disturb,  terrify,  soften,  encourage, 
or  console.  They  contain  no  communicative  sensibility,  and 
have  nothing  that  is  glowing,  seraphic,  or  incentive.  If  any 
authority  were  requisite  to  corroborate  my  opinion  on  this 
subject,  I  find  the  sentiments  of  Bishop  Warburton  in  perfect 
consonance  with  mine :  in  his  Directions  for  the  Study  of  The* 
ology,  he  has  these  words : — "  A  pathetic  address  to  the  pas- 
sions and  affections  of  penitent  hearers,  perhaps  the  most  ope- 
rative of  all  the  various  species  of  instruction,  is  that  in  which 


289 

and  vehement  in  their  manner,  as  the  frequent 
contemplation  of  the  happiness  of  heaven,  or  the 
torments  of  hell,  awaiting  every  hearer  of  them, 
might  be  expected  to  produce  : — the  defection 
from  the  Church  in  many,  and  the  unpardonable 
neglect  of  her  ordinances,  accompanied  with  the 
total  absence  of  vital  religion,  in  more,  of  her  pro- 
fessed adherents,  are,  I  fear,  incontrovertible  evi- 
dences of  the  truth  of  the  assertion.  Of  printed 
Sermons,  I  could  mention  many  volumes,  very 
creditable  to  the  several  authors,  as  specimens  of 
didactic  composition — the  arguments  well  se- 
lectedjthe  arrangements  happily  made,  the  language 
elegantly  expressed — but  this  is  all.  Does  the 
Preacher,  in  every  page,  exhibit  solicitude  for  the 
glory  of  the  Master  w^iose  credentials  he  bears  ? 
Does  he  demonstrate  an  evangelical  zeal  for  the 
everlasting  welfare  of  his  fellow-creatures,  commit- 
ted to  his  charge,  applying  that  solicitude,  and 
directing  that  zeal  to  every  faculty  of  their  mind, 
and  every  passion  of  their  heart,  to  convince 
them  of  the  necessity  of  living  in  favor  with  the 
Almighty — of  considering  themselves  as  account- 
able to  his  justice — ^and  therefore,  impressing  the 
duty  he  himself  feels,  as  one  commissioned  to 
announce  truths,  in  themselves  inexpressibly  aw- 
ful, and  in  their  consequences,  infinitely  important  ? 
Go   into  a  conventicle.     You  hear  the  preacher 


the  English  pulpit  is  most  defective." — See  an  Essay  on  the 
PLloquence  of  the  pulpit  in  England,  prefixed  to  the  translation 
of  Select  Sermons,  from  Bossuet,  by  Mr.  Jerningham. 


^90 

conjuring  and  miploring  the  assembly,  in  the  tnost 
urgent  and  affectionate  manner,  to  avoid  the 
punishm.ent  denounced  against  sin,  and  embrace 
the  happiness  promised  to  religion.  The  scenes 
of  future  misery,  which  he  delineates,  aifect  the 
senses,  and  melt  the  hearts,  of  his  admiring  audi- 
tors :  in  his  descriptions,  his  exhortations,  his 
appeals,  his  denunciations,  he  artfully  interweaves 
his  own  solicitude — the  pungent  misery  he  feels 
and  the  alarming  apprehensions  he  entertains, 
about  their  salvation.  When  an  ignorant  person 
hears  such  declarations — when  he  perceives  the 
Peacher  so  benevolently  interested  in  his  behalf — 
when  the  voice,  the  manner,  the  language  of  the 
speaker,  all  concur  to  shew  him  a  danger  which  he 
never  saw  before ;  when  he  contrasts  the  imposing 
warmth  of  the  conventicle— where  every  sentence 
is  adapted  to  his  understanding,  and  addressed  to 
his  feelings — with  the  frigid  caution  of  the  Church, 
which  he  has  attended,  it  may  be,  all  his  life,  with- 
out being  once  awakened  from  the  security  of  sin, 
and  terrified  with  the  anticipation  of  punish- 
ment— can  it  be  any  wonder,  that  the  Church 
should,  under  such  circumstances,  yield  to  the 
conventicle,  and  that  error  should  triumph  over 
truth?  .  ' 

It  will  here,  I  doubt  not,  occur  to  every  one, 
that  the  subjects  which  are  proposed  to  the  atten- 
tion of  our  congregations,  are  not  always  the  most 
interesting;  the  Scriptures  supply  many,  seldom  in- 
troduced into  the  pulpit,  yet  arc  very  important  in 


291 

themselves,  and  would  be  rendered  extremely  affec- 
ting to  the  auditory,  by  the  exercise  of  judgment, 
and  the  display  of  zeal,  by  which  some  of  the 
Clergy  are  pre-eminently  distinguished.  Common 
topics  are  too  generally  enforced  ;  by  which  means 
little  *  attention  is  given  to  public  discourses,  and 
a  lamentable  ignorance  pervades  the  hearers.  I 
shall  not  be  understood  to  signify,  that  texts 
should  be  chosen  for  their  singularity.  I  am  sup- 
posing, that  when  a  Preacher  chooses  a  subject, 
he  consults  his  judgment,  and  considers  what  is 
best  adapted  to  *^  bind  up  the  broken-hearted, 
''  and  to  give  deliverance  to  the  captives,  sold 
**  under  sin."  Impressed  by  such  a  sense  of  duty, 
we  need  not  be  apprehensive  that  he  will  be  di- 
rected by  an  offensive  and  ridiculous  singularity 
of  choice. 

*  "  Coming  to  Church  the  Bulk  of  Mankind  even  still  con- 
Mder  as  a  t  Duty  ;  but  hearing  as  they  ought,  they  partly  neg- 
lect, and  partly  experience  to  be  difficult.  Therefore  we  must 
not  only  admonish,  but  assist  them.  For  this  End,  we  must 
shew  them  from  first  to  last,  that  we  are  not  merely  saying 
good  Things  in  their  Presence,  but  directing  what  we  say  to 
them  personally,  as  a  Matter  which  concerns  them  beyond 
Expression.  More  general  Discourses  they  often  want  Skill 
to  take  home  to  themselves ;  and  oftener  yet  Inclination  ;  so 
they  sit  all  the  while  stupidly  regardless  of  what  is  delivered. 
Therefore  we  must  interest  them  in  it,  by  calling  upon  them 
to  observe,  by  asking  them  Questions  to  answer  silently  in 
their  own  Minds,  by  every  prudent  Incitement  to  follow  us 
closely.— -Abp.  Secker. 

t  A  very  alarming"  and  a  very  awful  change  has  taken  place,  both  in 
religious  sentiments  and  public  morals,  since  the  worthy  Arclibisbon 
cempesed  this  excelienjt  Chai-g-e. 


292 

I  have  not,  1  must  repeat,  proposed  to  myself, 
to  write  an  abstract  discourse  on  the  Composition 
of  a  Sermon,  but  merely  to  consider  the  subject  as 
it  relates  to  the  Church  of  England.  For  which 
reason  I  purposely  decline  laying  down  *'  rules  for 
the  exordium,  the  argumentative,  and  pathetic 
parts,  and  the  peroration  of  a  sermon. 

I  shall,  however,  remark,  that  the  introduction 
of  a  Sermon,  should  be,  in  general,  mild,  and 
conciliating ;  that  it  should  contain  nothing  that 
will  offend  or  prejudice  the  audience,  and  that 
it  should  not  detain  the  attention  too  long  from 
the  chief  part  of  the  discourse.  Dr.  Johnson, 
whose  Sermons  f  ai'e  entitled  to  frequent  and 
serious  perusal,  is  by  no  means  happy  in  his 
introductions.  In  his  beautiful  sermon  on  Mar- 
riage, consisting  of  twenty-four  pages,  just  one 
half  is  taken  up  in  preliminary  observations. 
He  then  divides  his  subject  into  two  heads, 
and  concludes  the  Sermon  without  any  applica- 
tion or  address  to  the  audience.     Both  the  intro- 

*  The  reader  will  receive  all  necessary  information  conoern- 
the  several  parts  of  a  discourse,  by  consulting  Cicero  de  Ora- 
tore,  Quintilian,  Longinus,  Blair's  elaborate  Lectures,  Mr. 
Neale's  Translation  of  the  L'Abbe  Mauri  on  Eloquence,  and 
Dr.  Gregory's  Essay  on  the  composition  of  a  Sermon ;  he 
should,  however,  guard  against  entertaining  Dr.  Gregory's  pre- 
judices, respecting  French  writers.  In  the  Doctor's  Sermons 
he  will  often  meet  with  original  thoughts  and  beautiful  language. 

t  They  are  entitled  Sermons  on  different  subjects,  left  for 
publication,  by  John  Taylor,  L.L.D.  late  Prebendary  of  West- 
minster, &c.  in  two  volumes. 


293 


duction  and  the  conclusion,  are  strongly  objection- 
able. And  though  the  name  of  Johnson  cannot 
be  too  highly  revered,  I  do  not  propose  his  Ser- 
mons to  a  young  Divine,  as  a  pattern  of  the 
highest  excellence  :  they  may,  notwithstanding, 
be  recommended  to  incessant  perusal,  although 
they  are  the  least  finished  of  his  compositions. 
They  are  vi^ritten,  according  to  his  own  account, 
and  no  man  ever  disputed  the  veracity  of  John- 
,soN,  each  in  a  few  hours;  and  it  is  probable, 
that,  as  they  were  composed  for  the  service  of 
other  persons,  they  received  from  him  no  subse- 
quent correction.  We  see,  in  every  line,  the  hand 
of  the  moralist,  and  the  philosopher ;  but  the 
pen  of  the  Divine,  which,  in  Sermons,  ought  to 
be  prominently  conspicuous,  we  do  not  easily 
(race. 

The  French  Catholic  wTiters  maybe  pronounced 
the  best  models  for  imitation,  more  especially  in 
the  exordium.  Flechier,  Bossuet,  Massillon,  are 
all  deserving  of  peculiar  regard  and  attention. 

It  may,  however,  sometimes,  be  expedient  to 
adopt  a  different  mode  of  introduction,  from  that 
now  recommended.  Unusual,  or  accidental  cir- 
cumstances may  have  occurred,  which  may  not 
only  warrant,  but  even  demand,  either  an  abrupt  en- 
trance on  the  subject,  or,  as  it  were,  a  personal  apolo- 
gy, or  affectionate  conference  with  the  congregation  * 

*  "  The  degree  of  knowledge,  rank,  and  circumstances  of 
life,  the  prevailing  notions  and  customs  of  jrour  congregationsi 

2    M 


294 


An  exordium  of  this  kind  bespeaks  attention ;  aixl 
if  the  whole  of  the  discourse  be,  as,  in  such  cases, 
it  invariably  ought  to  be — and  it  is  unpardonable 
if  it  is  not — supported,  so  as  to  sustain  that  atten- 
tion, the  end  of  the  Preaclier  is  answered — his  de- 
sign is  complete.  Such  an  attempt,  indeed,  de- 
mands both  judgment  and  talent ;  and  their  union 
is  indispensably  requisite  to  ensure  success. 

Rhetoricians  seem  not  to  be  agreed  whether  a 
Sermon  should  pass  without  a  formal  notice, 
from  the  exordium  to  the  argumentative  part, 
or  should  be  divided  into  heads.  The  one  gives 
greater  scope  to  oratory  ;  the  other  affords  more 
information  and  relief  to  the  hearer.  A  subject 
sometimes  naturally  divides  itself  ;  but  may  often 
be  usefully  divided  by  the  Preacher,  into  two  or 
three  heads.  Should  he,  however,  prefer  the 
inore  oratorical  method,  he  must  employ  all  his 
diligence,  and  exercise  all  his  judgment,  first  in 
the  selection,  and  afterwards  in  the  arrangement, 
of  his  arguments.  "  I  m.ight  add,"  says  Mr. 
Jerningham,  ''  that  the  splitting  the  subject  into 
*' different  members,  and  informing  the  audience 
"  how  each  division  is  to  be  treated,  is  an  injudici- 
"  ous  and  defective  method."  This  observation 
should,  however,  be  received  with  a  degree  of 
limitation.     The  Preacher,  whether  he  divides  his 

Mill  afford  you  Employment  to  make  your  Sermons  local,  if 
1  may  so  express  it ;  calculated  to  promote  the  virtues,  which 
they  are  chiefly  called  to  exercise,  and  guard  against  the  sins, 
of  which  they  arc  chiefly  in  diuiger." — Abp.  Secker. 


295 

Sermon  or  not,  after  his  introduction,  enters  upon  his 
subject.  And  in  this  part  of  the  discourse,  some  im- 
provement, it  is  generally  thought,  may  be  made. 
Open  the  Sermons  of  Dr.  Clarke,  of  Bishop  Coney - 
beare,  of  Dr.  Horbury.  You  will  see  in  each  of  them 
the  powers  of  a  great  mind,  employed  on  their 
subject.  But  the  misfortune  is,  that  they  treat  it 
as  if  their  hearers  were  as  well  acquainted  with  it, 
had  considered  it  as  maturely,  and  had  digested  it 
as  carefully,  as  themselves  :  they  apply  themselves 
solely  to  the  understanding,  and  leave  the  heart  en- 
tirely out  of  the  question.  It  may,  perhaps,  be 
said,  that  Bishop  Coneybeare,  and  Dr.  Horbury 
v/rote  their  Sermons  for  the  purpose  of  preaching 
them  before  the  University.  But  whatever  be  the 
auditory — whether  an  University,  or  one  of  the 
Inns  of  Court,  which  are  considered  the  only 
LEARNED  auditorics — the  Preacher  should  not  for- 
get that  the  greatest  part  of  it  will  consist  chiefly 
of  young  men,  some  not  thoroughly,  and  others 
not  at  all,  conversant  with  the  subject  on  w^iich  he 
expatiates  ;  and  that,  therefore,  to  those  who  most 
need  instruction,  not  to  add  warnmg,  expostula- 
tion, reproof,  and  exhortation,  his  discourse  is  pro- 
ductive of  little  good.  Would  not  a  Preacher, 
even  to  such  an  assembly,  feel  more  satisfacion  in 
the  reflection,  that  he  had  "  preached  the  Gospel, 
"  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,"  than  in  the 
idle  praises  of  a  few  who  seek  intellectual  gratifi- 
cation-*, rather  than  spiritual  improvement  ?  "•  Dis- 

*  The  most  useful  Sermons,  I  have  seen  preached  before  an 


296 

courses,"  says  the  excellent  Seeker,  '^  containing 
''  little  that  awakens  drowsy  attention,  little  that 
'*  inforces  plainly  and  home  what  men  must  do  to 
''  be  saved  ;  leave  them  as  unreformed  as  ever, 
"  and  only  lull  them  into  a  fatal  security."  What 
was  St.  Paul's  conduct  before  the  Philosophers  of 
Athens,  when  "  certain  men  clave  unto  him,  and 
<'  believed  ?"  What,  again,  before  Felix,  when 
the  power  of  his  eloquence  made  the  governor 
tremble  ?  What  before  Agrippa,  when  he  cried  out 
— "  almost  thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a  Christian  ?" 
Let  the  reader  look  into  Bishop  Pearce's  Sermons, 
preached  for  the  edification  of  the  Parish  of  St. 
Martin's ;  into  Dr.  Jortin's,  addressed  to  the  In- 
habitants of  Kensington ;  and  let  him  si^y,  whether 
he  believes  the  several  congregations  would  depart 
from  Church,  persuaded  to  be  "  altogether  Chris- 
tians ?"  No  !  such  discourses  seldom  reach  the 
heart,  and  are,  therefore,  as  pulpit  discourses,  I 
had  almost  said  useless.  Let  him  read  them  in 
his  own  family,  and  he  will  there  see  how  little  cal- 
culated they  generally  are,  to  inspire  men  with  a 
sense  of  the  value  of  salvation  :  I  would  not  be  un- 
derstood to  insinuate  that  the  Sermons  of  these 
learned  Divines  are  without  merit,  and  therefore, 
unworthy  of  perusal.  The  very  contrary.  They 
cannot  be  read,  by  the  Clergy,  too  frequently. 
They  are,    indeed,  written  upon   a  wrong  plan. 

University,  are  those  by  the  late  Bishop  Home  ;  some  of  the 
Discourses  of  Bishop  Hiird,  and  those  of  Mr.  Archdeacon 
Nares,  before  the  Society  of  Lincoln's.  Inn,  are  both  well  adapt- 
ed to  that  learned  Auditory. 


297 

Though  they  are  not  altogether  unintelligible,  yet, 
devoid  of  the  graces  and  attractions,  the  address 
and  persuasion,  essential  to  popular  discourses,  they 
awaken  little  attention,  and  therefore,  excite  little 
interest.  The  Clergyman  who  preaches  discourses 
of  this  description,  may  discover  in  almost  every 
family  in  his  parish,  many  moriifying  instances  of 
their  inutility.  Dry,  uninteresting  Sermons,  pro- 
claim loudly  their  own  inefficacy .  For  Religion  and 
Piety  do  not  lie  concealed,  and  continue  inactive  : 
they  are  not,  it  is  true,  so  much  prominent  features, 
as  powerful  principles,  influencmg  general  deco- 
rum, and  directing  civil  intercourse  ;  they  exert 
their  vigor,  indeed,  in  the  regulation  of  families, 
in  a  devout  observance  of  the  ordinances  of  the 
gospel,  and  in  a  consequent  suppression  of  the  ha- 
bits of  vice.  Does  a  Clergyman  perceive  this  ef- 
fect to  be,  in  any  tolerable  degree,  promoted  by  his 
preaching  ?  It  is  his  greatest  encouragement  ;  it 
is  his  refuge  in  affliction  ;  his  comfort  under  mor- 
tifying neglect  ;  and  his  support  under  grievous 
disappointments.  Do  his  congregations  decline, 
and  are  his  communions  less  frequently  attend- 
ed ?  He  has  sufficient  evidence,  that  he  is  an 
useless^  laborer  in  the  Lord's  Vineyard.  Evidence 
of  such  a  fact,  so  reproachful  to  himself,  disgrace- 
ful to  the  Church,   and  injurious  to  Christianity, 

*  If  you  have  preached  a  considerable  time  in  a  Place,  and 
done  little  or  no  good ;  there  must,  in  all  probability,  be  some 
Fault,  not  only  in  your  hearers,  but  in  you  or  your  sermons. 
For  the  roord  of  God,  when  duly  dlspen-it  d,  is  to  this  day,  as  it 
was  originally, /iC/'z:'er/«/  and  ^harjier  than  a  tiro-edgrd  sivord.-^ 
Abp.  Secker. 


298 


would,  it  might  be  supposed,  induce  him  to  exa- 
mine, whether  the  discourses  he  delivers  are  calcu- 
lated to  awaken  the  sinner,  and  comfort  the  chris- 
tian ?  And  if  his  sermons  are  either  moral  essays 
or  consist  of  abstract  reasoning,  he  may  easily  ac- 
count for  his  want  of  success  as  a  Preacher,  and 
for  the  decline  of  religion  in  his  parish.  When 
they,  whose  salvation  is  committed  to  his  care,  so- 
licit bread,  and  he,  in  the  phraseology  of  scripture, 
ofters  them  only  a  stone,  is  it  not  to  be  expected, 
that  many  of  them  should,  as  the  prophet  strongly 
expresses  it,  "  perish  for  lack  of  knowledge  ;"  and 
that  many  should  desert  a  Church,  in  which  their 
Pastor  administers  disappointment  for  edification, 
and  coldness  for  piety  ?  How  can  it  be,  supposed, 
that  women,  with  the  common  education  of  a  board- 
ing-school, that  shop-keepers,  tradesmen,  farmers, 
and  servants,  should  give  their  attention  to  what 
they  do  not  comprehend?  The  arguments  the 
Preacher  uses,  are  derived  from  -much  read- 
ing, and  deep  reflection  ;  and  the  whole  subject 
tliereby  becomes  familiar  to  his  mind.  And  can 
the  generality  of  hearers,  who  have  neither  au^ 
thors  to  consult,  nor  if  they  had,  inclination  to 
open  them — who  have  never  been  taught  to  ar- 
range their  ideas — can  they  be  supposed  to  give 
their  attention  to  metaphysical  abstraction  ?  Let 
the  Clergy,  if  they  are  so  disposed,  cultivate, 
with  the  utmost  diligence,  philosophical  and  me- 
taphysical studies,  but  let  them  most  cautiously 
abstain  from  introducing  their  language  into  the 
pulpit.     When  the  atteiition  of  the   congregation 


299 

fs  once  lost — when  the  sermon  ceases  to  be  inter- 
estmg,  because  it  is  unintelligible — the  Preacher 
preaches  in  vain;  and  what  is  a  very  melancholy 
consideration,  they  who  assembled  to  hear  him, 
instead  of  being  *'  filled  with  good  things,"  are, 
however  "  hungering  and  thirsting  after  righteous- 
'*  ness,  sent  empty  away." 

The  necessity  of  delivering  animated  and  em- 
passioned,  instead  of  argumentative  and  philoso- 
phical, discourses,  is,  I  presume,  obvious.  But 
as  it  is  evidently  the  intention  of  preaching — v/he- 
ther  as  some  term  it,  to  convince,  or  as  others, 
to  persuade — to  make  men,  on  the  whole,  better ; 
let  the  Preacher  try  the  effect  of  argument  upon 
himself.  I  will  suppose  the  subject  of  his  discourse 
to  be  the  -^  necessity  of  family  worship,  and  that 
he  urges  the  most  solid  arguments  in  support  of 
it.  I  would  enquire  of  him,  whether,  after  hear- 
ing the  discourse,  he  would,  supposing  him  to 
have  lived  in  the  neglect  of  the  precept,  be  so 
affected  by  it,  as  to  be  prevailed  with  to  put  the 
duty  in  practice?  If  he  acknowledge  that,  though 
he  might  be  convinced,  yet  he  should  not  be  in- 
duced to  ejUer  on  the  observance  of  it — such  be- 
ing the  general  effect  of  argument — how  can  he 

*  "  We  should  confine  our  severity  to  our  ovrn  practice. 
Only  we  must  watch  with  moderate  strictness  over  ourFaniilies 
also  :  not  only  keeping  up  the  joint  and  separate  Worship  ol' 
God  in  them — which  I  hope  no  Clergyman  omits — but  form- 
ing them  to  every  part  of  Piety  and  Virtue  and  Prgdcnrc. — 
Ahp.  Secker. 


300 

imagine  that  the  greater  part  of  the  hearers,  after 
an  imperfect  attention — after  not  comprehending, 
it  is  probable,  seme  of  the  arguments,  should  be 
prevailed  with  to  establish  in  their  families,  a  pi- 
ous custom,  which,  unhappily,  is,  by  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Church  of  England,  very  generally 
neglected?  It  cannot  be  supposed.  I  infer,  there- 
fore, that  a  discourse,  promising  no  higher  effect, 
ought  not,  under  any  circumstances,  to  be  ad- 
dressed to  a  Christian  assembly.  Were  the  duty 
of  family  worship  inculcated  in  a  conventicle,  the 
preacher,  instead  of  having  recourse  to  abstract 
reasoning,  would  conjure  his  auditors,  as  they 
valued  the  salvation  of  their  souls,  as  they  dreaded 
the  reproaches  of  their  children  and  families  at  the 
tribunal  of  God,  to  supplicate  upon  their  knees, 
the  blessing  of  the  Almighty  upon  themselves, 
and  upon  their  whole  house.  And  the  probabili- 
ty is,  that  the  success  would  be  much  more  abun- 
dant. A  Clergyman  can  scarcely  do  a  greater  in- 
jury, either  to  religion  or  to  the  church,  than  by 
preaching  a  Sermon  which  fails  to  interest  his 
congregation.  The  Sunday  is  passed  by  them 
without  edification,  Avhich  is  the  day  set  apart  by 
its  gracious  Author,  for  the  express  purpose  of 
establishing  in  his  people,  just  principles,  and  of 
promoting  a  correspondent  practice.  But  such  a 
Preacher,  from  want  of  consideration,  defeats 
that  very  design  which  he  was  ordained  to  effect. 
The  consequence  is,  that  men  lose  both  their  rev- 
erence for  Religion,  and  their  attachment  to  the 
Church.     It  is,  therefore,  greatly  to  be   wished, 


301 

that  the  Clergy  would  *  examine  their  discourses, 
previous  to  the  delivery  of  them,  \vith  an  unpreju- 
diced mind,  and  convince  themselvss,  whether  they 
are  really  f  calculated  to  dissuade  men  from  walk- 
ing in  the  way  that  leads  to  destruction.  The 
improvement  to  be  made  in  the  Composition  of 
Sermons,  if  my  observation  does  not  greatly  de-^ 
ceive  me,  is,  that  they  ought  to  resemble  exhor- 
tations more  than  they  generally  do  :  the  hearers 
should  always  be  made  to  feel  an  interest  in  them, 
by  the  argumentative  part  being  more  popular,  and 
by  uniting  a  degree  of  warmth  and  earnestness, 
which,  I  know  not  why,  are  seldom  attempted. 
Were  our  Sermons  addressed  to  the  heart,  and  the 
affections,  instead  of  the  understanding,  the  fre- 
quenters of  the  Church  would,  I  am  persuaded, 
consider  it  an  happy  deviation  from  the  established 
practice.     They  would  attend  public  worship  with 

*  "  We  must  consider  all  the  while  we  compose,  and  recon- 
sider as  we  preach,  and  afterwards — '  Is  this  adapted  sufficient- 

*  ly  to  the  Capacities,  the  State  of  Mind,  the  Circumstances  of 
'  the  poor  People  who  are  to  hear  it :  will  this  Part  be  clear, 

*  that  home  enough,  a  third  well  guarded  against  Mistakes  : 

*  will  they  go  back  as  much  better  disposed  than  they  came,  as 
<it  is  in  our  Power  to  make  them?"  Perhaps  one  or  more 
Ways  of  representing  a  necessary  Doctrine  or  Duty  have  fail- 
ed. We  must  think  whether  a  more  likely  may  not  be  found, 
©r  a  less  likely  in  Appearance  prove  more  successful." — Abp. 
Seckeii. 

t  "  The  monotonous,  wearisome  sound  of  a  single  bell  might, 
be  almost  as  soon  expected  to  excite  moral  impressions,  as 
the  general  tenour  of  our  public  discourses,  v.hich  are  (with 
some  exceptions,  drow.lly  composed,  and  drowsily  delivered. 
•^Jehninxsham."  2  X  t 


302 


more  readiness,  and  would  give  their  Pastors  more 
unequivocal  proofs  of  its  efficacy,  both  upon  their 
minds  and  behaviour.  Let  the  general  characters 
of  those  who  profess  themselves  members  of  the 
Church,  be  considered;  and  will  the  fondest  attach- 
ment, and  the  blindest  partiality,  pronounce,  that 
they  are  what  the  Gospel  requires  them  to  be — that 
their  love  abounds  more  and  more,  in  all  know- 
ledge and  in  all  goodness  ?  It  is  a  reproach  cast  up- 
on the  Establishment,  that  her  adherents  are  as 
lukewarm  in  the  profession  of  faith,  as  remiss  in  the 
practice  of  duty — that  they  are,  from  want  of  reli- 
gious knovvledge,  unable  to  defend  her  doctrines, 
and  from  want  of  religious  principle,  negligent  in  the 
observance  of  her  Ordinances.  We  allow  the  jus- 
tice of  the  reproach,  for  we  cannot  deny  it.  And 
what  is  still  more  to  be  lamented,  many  seem  to 
think  they  have  Religion  enough,  provided  they  go, 
generally,  to  Church,  and  live  as  well  as  their 
neighbors,  although  they  obviously  are  strangers  to 
that  vital,  inward,  piety,  which  is  the  distinguishing 
characteristic  of  the  Gospel.  The  state  of  such 
men,  which  we  cannot  believe  to  be  a  state  of  sal- 
vation, may  it  not  be  attributed  to  the  moral  Es- 
says, and  argumentative  Discourses  to  which 
the  Clergy  are,  with  such  an  unaccountable  in- 
fatuation, attached  ?  How  greatly  then,  is  it  to- 
be  lamxcnted,  that  all  this  deplorable  *  ignorance 

*  "  Teach  your  People  what  is  grievously  wanted  in  the  pre- 
sent Age,  to  value  their  Bibles  more,  and  understand  them 
better,  and  to  read  them  both  with  Pleasure  and  Profit." — 

Abp'.  SICKER. 


.303 

and  astonishing  insensibility,  cannot  prevail  with 
them  to  renounce  the  mode  of  writing  and  speak- 
ing, which  has  had  so  powerfid  a  tendency  to  pro- 
duce, what  wc  cannot  but  esteem  a  disgrace  to 
the  Church,  and  w^hich  is,  to  its  enemies,  a  cause 
of  exultation !  The  improvement  that  every  one 
acknowledges  necessary  to  be  made  in  the  esta- 
blished Church,  is  evidently  this — to  impress  its 
members  more  generally^  with  a  sense  of  the  im- 
portance of  salvation — to  persuade  them  that  re- 
ligion does  not  consist  in  mere  profession,  but  in 
a  renewal  of  the  heart  and  mind,  and  that  it  is  of 
them,  that  God  hath  spoken,  saying — ''  I  will 
*'  dwell  in  them,  and  walk  *in  them;  and  I  Vvill 
*'  be  their  God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people." 
To  produce  this  blessed  effect,  the  natural  ef- 
fect of  preaching,^  animation  must  stand  in 
the  place  of  dulness,  and  zeal  in  that  of  indiffer- 
ence. 

It  is  a  lamentable  consideration  that  moral,  unin- 
teresting discourses  have  been  so  long  preached, 
that  the  apostolic  declaration — that  many  men  '*  will 
**  not  endure  sound  doctrine,"  is  literally  verified  in 
our  own  Church.  If  a  Clergyman  "  speak  the 
*<  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus" — if  he  illustrate  the  ge- 
nius,  arid  enforce  the  precepts,  of  the  gospel ;  they 

*  "  I  would  have  every  Minister  of  the  Gospel,"  says  tlic 
amiable  Fenelon,  "  address  his  audience  with  the  zeal  of  a 
friend,  with  the  generous  energy  of  a  fother,  and  with  the  exu- 
berant affection  of  a  mother — Soijcz  peres^  ce  n'cst  /las.  a.iscz 
soyez  meres'' — Jerxingham. 


304 

are  scandalized.  They  discover  their  own  ignor- 
ance, they  vilify  his  labours,  and  confer  the  highest 
honor  on  the  sectaries,  by  representing  him  as  a 
fanatic,  and  an  enthusiast.  There  is  not,  perhaps, 
one  single  Clergymen,  who  is  distinguished  by  the 
excellence  of  his  Sermons,  and  the  impression  of 
his  elocution,  whom  ignorance  has  not  industrious- 
ly proclaimed,  and  suspicion  cautiously  received, 
as  preaching  the  distorted  doctrines,  and  pernicious 
errors  of  the  conventicle. 

I  shall  not  be  misunderstood,  in  deprecating 
cold,  moral  discourses,  and  recommending,  in  their 
stead,  lively  and  animated  exhortations,  to  encour- 
age vague  and  empty  declamation,  such  as  we  hear 
sometimes  delivered  by  some  Clergymen,  whose 
sole  object  seems  to  be,  to  display  their  own  super- 
ficial talents,  and  excite  the  unmeaning  admiration 
of  their  auditors.  I  am  solicitous  to  introduce 
a  very  different  mode  of  preaching — to  impress 
the  preacher  with  the  awful  consideration — that 
he  stands  as  the  ambassador  of  God,  between  the 
living  and  the  dead — that  he  is  entrusted  with 
the  word  of  God,  to  awaken  the  obdurate,  and 
alarm  the  impenitent,  to  encourage  the  despond- 
ing, and  confirm  the  believing,  Christian ;  and 
which  seems  to  be  unaccountably  neglected  by 
the  Clergy,  to  console  and  bind  up  the  brok- 
en-hearted— to  comfort  them  that  mourn,  and 
to  speak  peace  to  the  afflicted  soul.  *'  Eter- 
**  nity  ?  heaven  !   hell  !   death  !   these   are  scenes 


305 

*'  which  cast  around  an  awful  and  universal  inter- 
est."* If  a  sermon  be  declamatory,  it  may  dazzle 
the  imagination,  and  strike  the  ear,  but  will  not 
interest  the  affections — if  it  be  diffuse,  it  may  be- 
wilder the  mind,  but  cannot  improve  it.  Ge- 
nuine eloquence,  on  the  contrary,  being  addressed 
to  the  heart,  leads  it  captive — the  glory  of  God, 
the  salvation  of  men,  the  welfare  of  society  sug- 
gest the  thought,  and  not  infrequently,  give  it  ex- 
pression. 

French  Sermons,  which,  upon  the  ^vhole,  I  con- 
sider  more  useful,  than  even  the  best  of  those  in  our 
own  language,  are  liable  to  objections  ;  and  there- 
fore should  be  read  with  care  ;  the  Catholic,  which 
are  more  oratorical,  abound  with  declamation,  with 
point,  and  antithesis ;  the  Protestant,  which  are 
more  doctrinal,  are  verbose,  and  often,  by  conse- 
quence, tiresome  in  the  perusal.  There  is,  how- 
ever, another  objection,  which  applies  more  es- 
pecially to  the  Catholic — theirf  system  of  theology 

*  "  I  beg,  I  may  not  be  understood,  that  I  am  recommeml- 
ing  to  the  Preacher  to  diffuse  a  gaudy  colour  over  his  compo- 
sition."  ijERNINGHAM. 

t  "  The  severe  precepts,  tlic  austerity  of  doctrine,  the  un- 
remitted rigour,  that  prevails  in  the  moral  discourses  of  the 
French  Preachers,  carry  with  them  something  of  a  repulsive 
nature.  Those  moralists  survey  the  christian  institution  with 
a  splenetic  eye  ;  a  sombrous,  monastic  melancholy  broods 
over  their  religious  instructions  :  they  dwell  on  the  terrific 
part  of  the  christian  doctrine,  deepening  those  clouds,  which 


306 

IS  gloomy,  unsocial,  and  forbidding.  Like  our 
own  Sectaries,  they  do  not  consider  religion  as  in- 
terwoven with  all  the  acts  of  life  ;  their  godliness 
consists  in  tautological  prayers,  and  extatic  rap- 
tures. But  this  is  not  the  religion  of  the  New 
Testament.  Religion  is  to  be  the  governing  prin- 
ciple, to  direct  us  in  our  several  stations,  as  pre- 
paratory to  a  future,  or  eternal  state  of  bliss  or 
misery.  When,  therefore,  the  young  Divine  stu- 
dies, or  translates,  or  abridges  French  writers, 
he  must  not  suffer  himself  to  be  so  far  transported 
with  their  beauties,  as  to  forget  their  defects. — 
They  may,  by  a  due  exercise  of  judgment,  be  ad- 
mirably adapted  to  the  English  pulpit  ;  and  when 
they  have  the  advantage  of  being  well  delivered, 
they  will  not  merely  ensure  attention,  but  also  aifect 
the  heart. 

Another  objection  made  to  the  Catholic  sermons 
is,  that  they  are  all  peroration  ;  and  that  they  con- 
tain very  little  reasoning.  Allowing  this  objection  in 
its  full  force,  they  will,  being  persuasive  and  highly 
oratorical,  be  listened  to  with  more  eagerness,  and 
applied  with  more  efficacy,  both  by  a  rustic  and  a 
polite  auditory ,notwithstandijigthis  imputed  defect, 

appear  to  the  affectionate  believer,  little'  more  than  relieving 
shades  to  attemper  the  blazeof  mercy.— -Jehningham. 

It  may  be  farther  added,  that  the  French  Catholic  Preachers 
afe  much  too  sparing  of  Scripture  language,  which,  when  judi- 
ciously introduced,  is,  in  practical  sermons,  the  highest  orna- 
ment.    See  a  preceding  Note,  p?.ge  264. 


307 

than  the  most  elegant  moral  essays.  Such  is  the 
address  of  the  Preacher,  that  the  auditor  feels,  as 
if  the  Sermon  was  composed  for  his  necessities, 
and  on  his  account.  The  chief  objection  brought 
against  the  French  Protestant  Sermons  is,  as  hath 
been  already  intimated,  that  they  are  immoderately 
lengdiened,  by  a  disgusting  tautology.  The  Preach- 
ers inculcate  their  doctrines  with  great  gravity, 
and  often  with  much  persuasion,  but  they  are  not 
so  insinuating,  as  the  Catholic  writers.  Both, 
however,  may,  in  skilful  hands,  be  made  eminently 
conducive  to  the  conviction  of  the  understanding, 
as  well  as  the  persuasion  of  the  affections. 

A  very  general  ^  prejudice,  notwithstanding, 
prevails  against  them.  But  as  far  as  I  have  had 
an  opportunity  of  observing,  that  prejudice  is,  with 
very  few  exceptions,  confined  to  those  who  preach 
argumentative  discourses,  and  who  are  not  usually 
considered  the  most  useful  Preachers.  A  young 
Clergyman,  who  was  appointed  to  the  care  of  a 
Church,  which  is  attended  by,  what  is  commonly 
denominated,  a  genteel  congregation^  requested  me 
to  recommend  to  him  some  of  the  most  energetic 


*  To  all  who  suffer  their  understanding  to  be,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  French  Sermons,  subservient  to  their  prejudice,  I 
would  recommend  a  very  judicious  and  instructive  Pamphlet, 
published  as  an  antitode  to  Dr.  Gregory's  sarcastic  remarks, 
entitled,  Brief  Reflections  on  the  Eloquence  of  the  Pulpit,  by 
the  Fvev.  Dr.  Gardiner.  I  have  derived  from  the  pcnisal  of  it, 
th  a  highe  St  satisfaction . 


308 


English  Sermons.  I  mentioned  a  *  few  distin- 
guished writers,  thinking,  that  each  would  supply 
him  with  some  eloquent  and  useful  discourses. 
He  selected  the  most  popular:  his  congregation 
increased  ;  his  hearers  flattered  him  with  their  at- 
tention, and  pronounced  him  a  very  excellent 
Preacher.  His  communicants  likewise  increased  : 
but  he  had  the  mortification  of  observing,  that  the 
t  genteel  people,  in  their  addresses  to  the  Throne 
of  Grace,  continued  to  sit  carelessly  on  their  seats 
— that  whilst  he  was  reading  the  most  affecting 
parts  of  the  Litufgy,  they  appeared  insensible  to 
the  value  of  the  blessings  he  was  supplicating,  and 
to  the  horror  of  the  curses  from  which  he  was 
praying  they  might  be  delivered.  He  perceived 
little  change  of  conduct ;  little  progress  in  piety : 
the  Religion  of  his  auditory  consisted  in  mere 
formality.  He  lamented  grievously  his  lot.  But 
hoping  that  I  might  reconcile  him  to  his  situation, 
in  which  he  would,   I  was  persuaded,  be  singu- 

*  Bishops  Home,  Shipley,  Kurd,  Dr.  S.  Johnson,  Dr.  J. 
Leland,in  3  vols  ;  Dr.  Ogden,  Dr.  S.  Car,  Sec  &c. 

t  The  custom  of  sitting  during  the  time  of  prayers  is,  un- 
fortunately, becoming  very  general  throughout  the  Church  of 
England,  which  is  reducing  the  service  to  a  mere  matter  of 
form.  The  highest  classes  of  society,  I  mean  families  of  dif^- 
tinction,  usually  behave  with  great  reverence  in  the  Churcli, 
and  in  that  respect  set  a  very  laudable  example  ;  whereas  ma- 
ny genteel  people — those  who  imitate  people  of  fashion  in  their 
follies — neglect  to  imitate  them  where  imitation  would  be 
praise -worthy.  The  Bishop  of  London  has  lately  addressed 
an  admirable  Letter  to  his  Clcr^ry  on  this  subject. 


309 

larly  useful,  I  requested  him  to  read  the  first  vo- 
lume of  Massillon's  Synodal  discourses. — I  knew 
his  aversion  to  the  French  Preachers — but  I  hoped 
he  would  derive  both  consolation  to  his  heart,  and 
information  to  his  mind.  I  had  soon  reason  to 
congratulate  myself.  He  eagerly  perused  the  re- 
maining volumes.  His  prejudice  was  so  far  over- 
come, that  he  expressed  a  wish  to  see  some  practi- 
cal discourses.  I  sent  him  both  Catholic  and 
Protestant  authors.  He  abridged  and  preached 
some  sermons  of  both,  greatly  to  his  own  satis- 
faction, and  to  the  edification  of  his  hearers.  His 
congregation  again  increased  ;  and  instead  of  being 
mortiiied  by  addressing  a  polite  auditory,  he  was 
comforted  by  seeing  an  assembly,  consisting  of 
many  devout  people.  A  spirit  of  devotion  became 
more  visible  throughout  the  Church.  The  fame 
of  his  preaching  attracted  some  of  the  Methodists 
and  dissenters.  He  was  not,  however,  induced  by 
such  testimonies  of  approbation,  to  become,  what 
is  termed,  an  Evangelical  Preacher  ;  I  mean  to 
say,  his  judgment  and  his  conscience,  forbade  him 
to  preach  the  doctrines  of  the  Conventicle. 

A  learned  friend  of  mine,  lately  deceased,  was 
a  great  admirer  of  the  argumentative  writers. — 
Bishop  Butler,  Dr.  Clarke,  Dr.  Jortin,  Dr.  Bal- 
guy,  Mr.  Stone,  &c.  8cc.  were  among  his  favorite 
authors.  Although  he  had  composed  many  ser- 
mons, some  of  which  he  had  occasionally  de- 
livered before  the  University,  yet  he  sometimes 
adapted  a  Sermon  from  those  writers^  to  his  own 
2  0 


310 

congregation,  to  which  he  preached  upwards  of 
twenty  years  ;  but  he  ingenuously  acknowledged, 
that  he  could  not  discover  any  improvement  in 
morals,  or  attainment  in  religion.  As  he  found 
his  parishioners,  they,  with  little  variation,  con- 
tinued. He  was,  notwithstanding,  a  diligent  pas- 
tor. But,  unfortunately,  he  placed  all  excellence 
in  what  he  termed  good  sense  and  sound  reason- 
ing ;  and  such  was,  he  said,  the  national  character, 
that  every  Englishman  preferred,  upon  every  occa- 
sion^ argument  to  eloquence.  I  mentioned  to  him 
some  preachers,  distinguished  by  their  powerful 
address,  and  energetic  elocution  :  he  called  them 
preachers  of  a  day.  I  appealed  to  the  effects  pro- 
duced by  that  mode  of  preaching  :  they  would  not, 
he  thought,  be  lasting.  A  few  years  before  his 
death,  he  was  compelled  to  defend  some  pro- 
perty by  an  assize  trial.  Enquiring  what  counsel 
he  had  retained,  he  mentioned  the  leader  of  the 
circuit,  of  whom  he  had  the  highest  opinion. 
The  gentleman,  I  observed,  to  whom  you  have 
committed  your  cause,  is  confessedly,  an  elo- 
quent pleader,  who  will  address  himself  to  the 
affections  of  the  jury  ;  whereas  there  is  another 
professional  gentleman,  attending  that  circuit, 
who  is  distinguished  by  his  good  sense  and 
sound  reasoning,  and  being  totally  devoid  of  all 
rhetorical  talents,  he  w^ould  address  his  arguments 
to  their  understanding.  My  friend  instantly 
perceived  my  meaning,  but  begged  that  I  would 
not,  by  any  illustration  or  analogy,  disturb  his 
mind.     The  prejudices  against  eloquence  in  the 


311 

pulpit,  which  he  had  imbibed  in  his  youtli,  he 
possessed  through  the  middle  part  of  life,  and  che- 
lished  in  his  old  age.  He  was  a  truly  good  man, 
an  excellent  scholar,  and  a  sound  Divine  ;  but  the 
highest  esteem  and  warmest  attachment  could  not 
pronounce  him  an  useful  preacher.  By  Ministers 
of  such  a  description,  hovv^ever  valuable  their  sense 
or  enviable  their  learning,  the  flock  will  not  be 
confined  within  the  fold.  Preachers,  like  my 
friend,  will  never  accomplish  the  great  end  of 
preaching,  which  is,  and  it  cannot  be  too  often  in- 
culcated, to  awaken  the  sinner,  alarm  the  impeni- 
tent, and  comfort  the  broken  hearted.  Does  ex- 
perience testify,  that,  in  prophetic  language,  ^'  men 
"  take  hold  of  the  skirt  of  him,"  that  is  a  moral 
preacher  or  a  deep  reusoner^  *'  saying,  we  will  go 
*'  with  you,  for  we  have  heard  that  God  is  with 
you  ?"  Do  the  amiable  qualities,  the  incorrup- 
tible integrity,  the  vital  piety  of  the  congrega- 
tion, to  whom  moral  or  argumentative  Sermons 
are  addressed,  proclaim  their  efficacy,  and  justify 
their  use  ?  As  reasonably  almost  might  you 
expect  branches  without  a  stem,  or  a  stem  with- 
out a  root ;  or  to  apply  the  elegant  illustration  of 
our  Saviour  to  ''  gather  grapes  from  a  thorn,  or 
*'  figs  from  a  thistle." 

Of  style,  it  is  foreign  to  my  purpose  to  speak.  If 
a  Sermon  is  to  be  prepared  for  a  country  congre- 
gation, it  cannot  be  too  simple.  *'  And  one  princi- 
pal contrivance,  says  Archbishop  Seeker,  ''  to  gain 
the  attention  of  the  audience,  is  to  make  a  Sermon 


31S 

extremely  clear.     Terms  and  phrases  may  be  fa- 
miliar to   you,  which   are   quite  unintelligible  to 
them  ;  and  I  fear  this  happens  much  oftener  than 
we  suspect."  Let  your  style  have  the  amoenity  of 
Addison,  and  the  simplicity  of  Seeker  ;  combine 
ornament  with  ease,  and  piety  with  precision,  still 
it  will  not  be  adapted  to  the  pulpit,  unless  you  can 
unite   warmth,   vehemence,   and   persuasion.     In 
the  Sermons  and  Lectures  of  the  Bishop  of  Lon- 
don, we  meet  with  many  very  striking  instances 
of  religious  animation,  and  genuine  eloquence.    If 
a  Sermon  is  intended  for  a  popular  auditory,  and 
the  Preacher  strives — and  every  preacher  ought 
to  strive — to    excel ;    the   best   models    of  style 
w4iich  can  perhaps,  be  proposed,  are  the  writings 
of  Barrow,  of  Dr.  Johnson,  of  Gibbon;  the  Bamp- 
ton  Lectures  of  Dr.   White ;  and  above  all,  the 
political  works  of  Lord  Bolingbroke.    Yet  in  these 
writers,  excellent  as  they  are,  there  is  one  defect, 
against  which  the    student  cannot   too    carefully 
guard ;  and  it  is  this — their  sentences  are  often  too 
long  ;  and  a  Sermon  consisting  of  long  sentences, 
which  can  only  be  heard,  is  rendered,  to  a  part  of 
the  hearers,  almost  unintelligible.     Addison  is  ge- 
nerally praised  as  among  the  most  elegant  of  the 
English  authors  :  but  his  style,  to  use  the  expres- 
sion of  the  incomparable  Johnson,  "  sometimes  de- 
scends too  much  to  the  language  of  conversation," 
to  be  adapted  to  the  pulpit.  *    Unless  it  possessed 

*  What  Dr.  Johnson  says  of  the  style  of  Swift,  is  strictly  ap- 
.pjicablc  to  all  the  writers  of  this  class  ;  aincng  vv  honi  may,  I  fcar» 


313 


great  advantages  in  the  delivery,  the  congregation 
would  scarce  be  kept  awake.  A  sermon  should  be 
always  animated  ;  and  it  is  only  by  reading  the  best 
authors,  that  a  young  composer  can  attain  to  excel- 


be  ranked  the  excellent  Seeker.  "  He  pays  no  court  to  the 
passions  :  for  purposes  merely  didactic,  when  something  is  to 
be  told  that  was  not  known  before,  this  easy  conveyance  of 
meanl,:^  is  the  best  mode,  but  against  that  inattention,  by 
whic"  kno  vn  truths  are  suffered  to  lie  neglected,  it  makes  no 
provision  ,  it  instructs,  but  does  not  persuade.'* 

The  character  of  Tillotson's  style  is  very  justly  delineated 
in  Fitzosborne's  Letters  (XIV)  : 

"  Dr.  Tiilotson,  who  is  frequently  mentioned,  as  having 
carried  this  species  of  eloquence,  viz.  persuasion,  to  its  high- 
est perfection,  seems  to  have  had  no  notion  of  rhetorical  num- 
bers ;  and  may  I  venture  to  add,  that  I  think  no  man  had  c^  er 
less  pretensions  to  genuine  oratory,  than  this  celebrated 
Preacher  ?  One  cannot  but  regret,  that  he  who  abounds  with 
such  noble  and  generous  sentiments,  should  want  the  art  of 
setting  them  off  with  all  the  advantage  they  deserve  j  that  the 
sublime  in  morals  should  not  be  attended  with  a  suitable  ele- 
vation of  language.  The  truth,  liowever,  is,  his  words  are 
frequently  ill-chosen,  and  alm.ost  always  ill-placed  j  his  periods 
are  both  tedious  and  unharmonious  ;  as  his  metaphors  are 
generally  mean,  and  often  ridiculous." 

I  have  much  wished  that  the  valuable  Sermons  of  Tiilot- 
son—-and  out  of  his  vast  collection,  many  such  might  be 
found — were  reprinted,  and  the  objections  made  by  the  au- 
thor of  the  Letters  removed  :  that  part  of  his  writings  might 
then,  with  unqualified  praise,  be  recommended  as  models  to 
the  young  clergy  ;  and  also  as  a  family  book,  containing 
sound  doctrine  and  genuine  morality,  corweyed  in  a  pious  and 
insinuating  maimer. 


5U 

iencc;  by  a  careful  perusal  of  the  wi'iters  I  have 
just  mentioned,  he  will  learn  to  be  energetic  with- 
out being  declamatory,  and  vehement  without  be- 
ing ostentatious.  Whoever  wishes  to  become  an 
useful  and  accomplished  Preacher,  perspicuous 
but  not  inelegant,  and  persuasive  but  not  enthusi- 
astic, must  give  his  days  and  nights  to  the  acqui- 
sition of  religious  knowledge,  and  the  cultivation 
of  evangelic  eloquence. 

For  the  indispensable  requisites  of  ornament,  of 
figures,  of  the  pathetic,  and  of  the  sublime,  I  re- 
fer the  reader  to  Dr.  Blair's  admirable  Lectures, 
which  the  oftener  they  are  read,  will  excite  greater 
emulation,  and  produce  more  visible  improvement. 

All  rhetorical  writers  recommend  in  the  perora- 
tion or  conclusion  of  the  Sermon,  peculiar  warmth 
and  animation.     And  it  is  to  be   lamented,  that 
both  the  old,  and  especially  the  modern,  authors 
of    Sermons,    either    contemptuously    disregard, 
or  intentionally  overlook,  what  is   equally  indis- 
pensable  to    an  eloquent,  vehement  exhortation, 
and  to  a  plain  practical  Sermon.     The   conclu- 
sion, unquestionably,  requires  a  more    thorough 
knowledge    of     human    nature,     more    address, 
greater  power   of  language,  than   any  other  part 
of  the  composition  ;   it  is,  therefore,    proportion- 
ally difficult    in    the    execution.       The   Preacher 
should,  in  the  conclusion  of  his  discourse,   seize, 
warm,  melt  the   heart ;    and   should  dispose  the 
hearer  by  persuasion,  or  compel  him  by  terror,  to 


315 

descend  into  it.  He  should  make,  as  it  were,  a 
personal  appeal  to  his  auditory,  and  should,  by  the 
energy  of  his  expression,  and  the  vigor  of  his  sen- 
timent, attempt  to  infuse,  as  far  as  is  possible,  into 
every  individual,  a  solicitude  to  know,  and  a  re- 
solution to  fulfil  the  terms  of  salvation  !  Were 
this  interest  excited  in  the  breasts  of  our  congre- 
gation,  we  should  not  have  such  abundant  cause, 
as  we  now  have,  to  lament  the  little  effect  pro- 
ducedby  preaching;  we  should  not  be  mortified, 
by  observing  that  our  several  flocks,  either  seem 
to  have  forgotten  the  discourse,  the  moment  the 
Preacher  has  pronounced  the  blessing  ;  or,  which 
we  cannot  sufficiently  deplore,  to  consider  their 
duty  as  discharged  by  a  mere  attendance  on  pub^ 
lie  worship.  I  am  not  able,  unfortunately,  to  re- 
fer the  reader  to  one  single  author,  who  excels  in 
the  peroration  of  his  Sermons.  Dr.  Blair,  who 
has  in  his  Lectures,  strongly  recommended  this 
oratorical  conclusion,  has  not  once,  in  his  cele- 
brated discourses,  attempted  it.  To  my  great  dis- 
appointment and  mortification,  I  have  not  met 
with  an  eloquent  peroration  in  the  compositions 
of  some  distinguished  living*  authors,  where  I  na- 
turally expected  to  find  it.  The  prevailing  methods 
alas !  are,   either  coldly  to  recapitulate  the  argu^ 

*  A  volume  of  sermons,  lately  published  by  Dr.  Gardiner, 
abounding  with  much  cleai'  reasoning,  and  fervid  piety,  and  at 
the  same  time  interspersed  throughout  with  the  most  brilliant 
passages — had  they  possessed  the  requisite  I  am  recommend- 
ing— might  have  been  considered  as  containhig  the  happiest, 
and,  indeed,  the  most  complete,  specimens  of  pulpit  eloquence. 


316 


mcnts,  which,  often  by  eluding  the  attention,  exer- 
cise the  patience  of  the  auditory  ;  or  to  draw  in- 
ferences, which,  having  no  tendency  to  rouse  the 
affections,  and  enflame  the  mind,  are  reluctantly 
heard,  and  instantly  forgotten.  How  much  higher 
would  be  the  effect,  were  the  Preacher  to  awaken 
his  auditory  to  a  sense  of  their  duty — to  impress 
with  all  possible  solemnity,  the  account  they 
must  give,  to  a  righteous  and  just  Being — and  to 
conjure  them  with  paternal  affection,  not  to  dis- 
appoint the  expectations,  and  frustrate  the  designs 
of  their  Almighty  Judge  ?  To  this  part  of  the  dis- 
course more  especially,  let  him  direct  all  his  judg- 
pfient,  and  apply  all  his  powers ;  let  him  consider 
his  Sermon  incomplete,  and  his  duty  imperfectly 
discharged,  if  he  does  not  succeed,  before  the  de- 
parture of  the  congregation,  in  persuading  to  good, 
or  dissuading  from  evil.  Let  him  consider  him- 
self in  the  situation  of  a  father,  who  has  been  using 
the  most  powerful  arguments  to  convince  a  be- 
loved child — let  him  represent  that  child,  as  going 
from  his  presence,  with  a  degree  of  conviction 
impressed  upon  his  mind,  but  with  his  heart 
disposed  to  act  in  disobedience  to  it — would  he 
not  enforce  these  arguments,  in  the  last  words 
he  had  to  utter,  by  the  most  importunate  address, 
and  the  most  affectionate  exhortations?  Would 
he  not  describe,  in  the  most  glowing  colors,  the 
ruin  which  awaited  the  child,  and  the  misery 
which  would,  in  consequence,  overwhelm  the  pa- 
rent ?  Or  rather,  let  him  consider  himself  as  the 
Ambassador  of  Heaven,  admitted  to  the  honor  of 


317 

being  commissioned  by  the  Almighty  to  co-ope- 
rate with  him,  in  restoring  his  children,  the  works 
of  his  hand,  and  the  objects  of  his  love,  to  that 
favour  which  is  better  than  the .  life  itself.  Let 
him  place  before  his  eyes,  and  engrave  upon  his 
heart,  the  interesting  peculiarity  of  his  situation, 
and  the  ineffable  importance  of  his  charge  ;  the 
happiness  accompanying  a  faithful  execution,  and 
the  punishment  awaiting  the  inexcusable  neg- 
lect, of  it ;  and  to  his  effort  to  produce  an  eloquent 
exhortation,  will  then  be  super-added  an  ardent 
desire  to  promote  the  glory  of  God,  and  an  incon- 
ceivable solicitude  to  become,  through  the  Divine 
interposition,  the  blessed  instrument  of  the  salva- 
tion of  men. 

To  give  a  Sermon  merit,  as  a  religious  compo- 
sition, and  utility,  as  a  popular  exhortation,  one 
thing  more  must  be  added,  without  which  it  will, 
generally,  be  incomplete ;  I  mean  a  fervent  and 
devout  prayer.  For  is  it  not  natural,  after  having 
faithfully  shewn,  and  earnestly  entreated,  men,  to 
walk  in  the  way  of  salvation;  after  having  con- 
vinced their  understandings  by  argument,  and 
persuaded  their  affections  by  exhortation,  to  im- 
plore him  from  whom  cometh  every  good  gift, 
that  the  word  which  has  been  spoken,  in  his  name, 
and  for  his  glory,  should  accomplish  die  eijd  for 
which  it  was  delivered  ?  The  most  striking  argu- 
ments in  the  discourse  should  form  the  subject  of 
the  prayer,  which  should  be  expressed  in  simple, 
yet  animated  language  ;  the  whole  strain  should  be 

2  p 


318 

go  pious  and  affecting,  that  the  heart  and  soul,  both 
of  the  Preacher  and  the  congregation^  should  be 
raised,  on  the  wings  of  devotion,  above  this  sub- 
lunary scene,  and  transported  to  those  celestial 
mansions,  where  the  object  of  hope  ceases,  in  ac- 
tual possession,  and  where  the  discharge  of  duty  is 
remunerated,  with  an  exceeding  reward  1 


The  preceding  Essay  on  the  Art  of  Preaching, 
which  although  adapted  to  a  foreign,  rather  than 
an  English,  pulpit,  shews  the  necessity  of  oratory 
in  a  public  speaker,  be  the  congregation  he  addres- 
ses, learned  or  unlearned.  And  notwithstanding 
the  just  observation  of  Archbishop  Seeker,  that 
**  our  nation  is  more  disposed  than  most  others, 
to  approve  a  temperate  manner  of  speaking  ;"  yet 
it  is,  in  some  measure,  from  the  want  of  a  certain 
degree  of  oratory  in  the  Clergy,  that  our  Churches 
are  so  lamentably  deserted. 

It  is  generally  supposed,  that  every  writer  adapts 
his  composition  to  his  mode  of  speaking.  Thus,  it 
is  only  necessary,  it  is  said,  to  read  a  Sermon,  in 
order  to  appreciate'  the  manner  of  the  Preacher. 
The  observation,  with  very  few  exceptions,  is,  I 
believe,  just ;  which  is  an  additional  argument, 
to  prove  the  necessity  of  excellence  in  composition ; 
for  if  the  composition  be  indifferent,  so,  it  may  be 
inferred,  will  be  the  *  elocution.     A  bad  speaker 

*  "  Previously  studying  and  writing  Sermons  tends  to  fill  them 
tv'ith  digested  and  well  adapted  Matter,  disposed  in  right  order ; 


319 

may,  if  learned,  be  attended  by  sensible  men  ;  bul 
those  who  have  penetration  to  discover,  and  can- 
dor to  approve,  real  excellence,  when  it  has  not 
the  recommendation  of  exterior  embellishment, 
seldom  constitute  a  considerable  part,  even  of  a 
popular  assembly.  And  they,  surely,  would  pre- 
fer an  eloquent,  to  an  inanimate  preacher.  When 
such  extreme  solicitude  is  shewn  by  every  des- 
cription  of  men,  to  be  present  at  the  debates  of  the 
Great  Assembly  of  the  nation,  is  it  to  give  their 
attention  to  the  common,  dull  debaters  ?  No  !  to 
the  elegant  harangues  of  the  most  accomplished  of 
speakers,  and  to  the  indignant  reply  of  his  exaspe- 
rated rival.  When  the  same  solicitude  is  express- 
ed to  hear  a  cause  of  importance  tried  in  the 
Court  of  King's  Bench,  is  it  to  be  entertained 
by  inferior  pleaders  ?  No  !  by  Gibbs  or  Erskine, 
or  Garrow  or  Park.  Are  the  Theatres  filled 
by  the  desire  of  hearing  those  who  perform 
the  lowest,  or  the  highest  characters  ?  Are  our 
Churches  thronged,  when  the  pulpit  is  occu- 
pied by  an  ordinary  Preacher,    or   by  an   orator, 

especially,  if  you  will  carefully  revise  them  every  Time  you 
preach  them  ;  supply  deficiencies,  blot  out  repetitions,  correct 
improprieties,  guard  against  misapprehensions,  enlighten  wliat 
is  obscure,  familiarize  what  is  too  high,  transpose  what  is  wrong- 
ly placed,  strengthen  the  weak  parts,  animate  the  languid  ones. 
Your  composition  needs  not  be  at  all  the  stiff  cr,  but  may  be  the 
freer,  for  the  pains  thus  employed  upon  it.  You  may  frame 
it  purposely  to  be  spoken  as  if  you  were  not  reading  it :  and 
by  looking  it  over  a  few  times  when  you  are  about  to  use  it, 
you  may  deliver  it  almost  withovit  being  observed  to  read  it  •' 
See  note  in  P.  240. — Abp.  Secker- 


S20 


who  addresses  his  congregation,  as  personally  inte- 
rested in  the  efficacy  of  what  he  is  deUvering  ?  And 
is  it  not  surprising,  that  seeing,  as  we  have,  our 
Churches  more  and  more  deserted,  during  the  last 
thirty  years,  no  attempt,  no  efficacious  attempt,  at 
least,  has  been  made  by  the  Universities,  the  places 
of  resort  for  young  men,  preparatory  to  the  office 
of  the  Sacred  Ministry,  to  teach  them  to  speak  with 
gracefulness,  in  order  that  they  might  preach  with 
power  ?  Unless  a  different  mode  both  of  writing 
and  speaking  be  introduced  into  the  Church — 
should  the  same  proportion  of  its  members  desert 
it  during  the  next  thirty  years,  as  have  in  the  pre- 
ceding period-— the  enemy  may  adopt  the  lan- 
guage of  the  prophet,  and  exclaim  in  degrading 
contempt,  and  bitter  derision — "  the  punishment 
of  thy  negligence  is  accomplished,  O  daughter 
of  Zion."  Rather  may  the  excellence  of  her  Mi- 
nistry be  so  eminently  conspicuous,  that  the  esta- 
blished church  may  emphatically  be  called,  "  the 
way  of  holiness  !  May  no  lion  be  there,  nor  any 
ravenous  beast  go  up  thereon!  But  may  the  re- 
deemed walk  there,  and  may  the  ransomed  of  the 
Lord  return,  and  come  to  Zion  with  songs,  and 
everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads !  May  all  her 
members  obtain  spiritual  joy  and  gladness,  and 
schism  and  disaffection  flee  awav  !" 


A  PRAYER, 


323 


PRAYER. 


GOD,  and  Father  of  Mercy,  who  hatest  nothing 
that  thou  hast  made,  who  seest  all  our  miseries, 
and  knowest  all  our  infirmities,  I  prostrate  myself 
at  thy  Throne,  beseeching  thee  to  hear  my  prayer, 
and  to  receive  the  petitions  which  I  now  offer  unta 
Thee.  I  present  myself,  in  humble  adoration  be- 
fore thee,  ardently  desirous  of  knowing  thy  will, 
and  earnestly  supplicating  the  assistance  of  thy 
powerful  grace,  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  fulfil  it. 
To  this  end,  correct  and  subdue  in  me  all  inordinate 
desires  and  unholy  attachments  :  impress  thy  law 
on  my  soul,  that  it  may  both  establish  my  principles, 
and  influence  my  behaviour  ;  that  both  the  thoughts 
of  my  heart,  and  the  tenor  of  my  life,  may  be  such 
as  '*  become  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ." 
Let  no  avocations  withdraw  me  from  entering  daily 
into  myself,  that  I  may  become  more  and  more  ac- 
quainted with  my  own  heart  ;  that  its  approbation 
may  be  my  greatest  comfort,  and  its  reproaches  my* 
greatest  dread. 


324 

Engrave  upon  my  mind  the  character  which  thou 
expectest  me  to  sustain  in  society  ;  the  good  which 
my  example  will  produce,  if  it  be  irreproachable 
and  amiable ;  the  evil,  if  worthless  or  suspected. 
Guard  me,  therefore,  against  levity  of  behaviour  ; 
against  sudden  passion  and  violent  transports  ; 
agamst  bewitching  pleasures,  contemptible  mean- 
ness, detestable  avarice,  and  unlawful  gain.  Let 
no  deviation  from  piety  be  encouraged  by  my  de- 
meanor; but  may  my  private  life  most  efficaciously 
enforce  my  public  preaching.  May  no  soul  sanc- 
tion its  indiscretions,  or  extenuate  its  vices,  by 
pleading  the  licence  of  my  unworthiness. 

As  a  Minister  of  thy  holy  word,  grant  me  an 
uniform  and  regular  diligence,  which  riiay  neither 
be  overcome  by  indolence,  nor  enfeebled  by  re- 
laxations. Let  no  indulgence  in  amusements, 
how^ever  innocent,  nor  attachment  to  studies,  hovf- 
ever  enticing,  seduce  me  from  an  invariable  ap- 
plication to  the  several  duties  of  my  calling  ;  but 
may  every  pursuit,  wdiich  is  not  an  immediate  part 
of  it,  be  regulated  by  prudence^  and  restrained  by 
severity,  lest  my  mind  should  be  alienated  from  the 
discharge  of  ecclesiastical  functions,  and  divert- 
ed from  the  attainment  of  evangelical  holiness  ; 
lest  I  should  forget  that  I  am,  in  thy  holy  Church, 
"  a  guide  to  the  blind,  and  a  light  to  them  that 
are  in  darkness  ;  and  lest,  after  having  preach- 
ed  it  to  others  ;"  and  warned  them  against  the 
habits  of  temptation,  and  the  allurements  of 
sin,  I  should  myself  be  treacherously  overcome 


325 

by  the  one,  and  everlastingly  ruined  by  the  other. 
Grant  me  to  be  a  watchful  shepherd,  preser\  in^,  by 
prudent  advice  and  salutary  counsels,  tlie  flock 
within  the  fold,  which  I  have  undertaken  to  in- 
struct in  faith,  and  deliver  from  danger. 

Impress  me  with  such  a  sense  of  the  station 
which  I  am  appointed  to  fill,  that  I  may  devote  all 
the  powers  of  my  mind,  and  all  the  faculties  of  my 
soul,  to  a  faithful  discharge  of  it :  let  me  never 
forget,  that,  whether  it  is  obscure  or  exalted,  1 
am  equally  an  ambassador  of  the  King  of  Kings, 
and  a  servant  of  the  Lord  of  Lords.  Thus  honor- 
ed, thus  distinguished,  may  no  temptations  of  in- 
terest, nor  allurements  of  pleasure,  damp  the  vigor- 
ous exertion  and  unwearied  diligence,  inherent  in 
the  commission  of  thy  Ministers,  to  bring  the  souls 
of  whom  thou  hast  appointed  me  the  spiritual 
overseer,  to  *'  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  ;"  to  an  ac- 
quaintance with  their  moral  condition  ;  to  a  firm 
trust  in  thy  goodness  and  an  uniform  obedience 
to  thy  will.  May  every  discourse  which  I  deliver, 
be  calculated,  by  thy  divine  blessing,  to  awaken 
the  thoughtless,  and  alarm  the  impenitent,  or  to 
establish  the  righteous  in  the  ways  of  godliness, 
and  comfort  those  that  mourn.  When  I  ''  preach 
thy  laws,  and  take  thy  covenant  in  my  mouth," 
let  me  not  be  satisfied  with  the  persuasion,  that 
the  discourse  which  ought  to  excite,  in  every 
one  who  hears  it,  an  ardent  desire  of  salvation,  is 
ingenious  iu  its  composition,  solid  in  its  arguments, 
or  elegant  in  its  stvle  ;  rather,  O  God,  may  it  pe- 

2   Q. 


326 


rietf  ate  the  hearts,  and  supply  the  wants  of  those 
'*  very  many  m  the  open  valley,  who  are  very  dry;" 
and  ma}^  thy  spirit,  in  the  delivery  of  it,  "  say  unto 
them,  O  ye  dry  bones  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
behold  I  will  cause  breath  to  enter  into  you  ;  and 
may  they  stand  up  upon  their  feet,  an  exceeding 
great  army  :  put  thy  spirit  into  them,  and  they 
shall  live;"  awaken  them,  and  all  men,  from  the 
deadly  torpor  of  insensibility  ;  animate  them  with 
a  lively  sense,  and  a  deep  conviction,  of  their  de- 
plorable condition  ;  and,  if  it  seem  good  unto  thee, 
leave  them  no  rest  in  their  souls,  until  they  see  the 
danger,  and  anticipate  the  punishment,  of  their 
horrible  ingratitude  and  daring  rebellion.  ''  Open 
*^  their  eyes  that  they  sleep  not  in  death.  Pour 
upon  them  the  spirit  of  grace  and  of  supplication." 
May  the  temples,  in  which  we  assemble  to  wor- 
ship thee,  exhibit  congregations  of  men,  not  col- 
lected by  the  power  of  habit,  but  actuated  with 
reverence  and  godly  fear  :  and  that  they  may  not 
presume  to  present  themselves  before  Thee 
with  unseemly  levity,  and  with  unprepared  minds  ; 
*'  approaching  thee  with  their  lips,  whilst  their 
hearts  are  far  from  thee."  Do  thou  inscribe 
on  their  souls  this  awful  sentiment — ''  where- 
''  with  shall  I  come  before  the  Lord,  and  bow 
*<  myself  before  the  high  God  !"  May  the  pa- 
rents, by  the  influence  of  example,  infuse  into 
their  offspring  a  priniple  of  devotion  ;  may  "  thet/ 
'^  infuse  the  same  into  theh^  children,  and 
*'  f/z^ir  children  ir to  rt/zo^Aer  generation."  When 
we  '*  thus  call  upon  thy  name,   we  know  that 


327 

Thou  wilt  hear  us;  thou  wilt  i^raciously  sa\ ,  it  is 
my  people  ;  and  we,  in  humble  thankfulness,  shall 
say,  the  Lord  is  our  God."  Let  thine  heritage, 
the  Church,  which  thou  hast  purchased  wiih  thy 
Blood,  be  no  longer  defiled  by  the  lamental)le  ig^ 
norance  and  abominable  stupidity,  which  contemp- 
tuously refuse  to  hear  the  calls  of  Truth,  and  impi-^ 
ously  set  at  nought  the  exhortations  of  Piety. 

But  w^hatever  shall  be  the  effect  of  the  Holy 
Word  in  my  mouth  ;  whether  I  am  encouraged  to 
meditation,  study,  and  labour,  by  the  increase  of 
morals,  and  the  prevalence  of  Religion  ;  or  hum- 
bled and  depressed  by  ignorance  of  the  Laws,  and 
contempt  of  thy  Word,  let  me  not  be  discontented 
and  impatient,  but  wait  thy  good  time,  when  it 
shall  please  thee  to  give  the  increase.  May  judg- 
ment direct,  and  zeal  stimulate  me  to  try  every 
method,  and  adopt  every  expedient,  to  convert 
sinners  unto  thee.  And  oh  !  if  it  be  thy  blessed 
will,  let  me  not  labour  in  vain.  May  the  hearts 
of  all  those  over  whom  thou  hast  appointed  me  to 
watch,  be  induced  to  ''  receive  the  word  w'ith  meek- 
*'  ness,"  to  apply  it  with  fidelity,  andto^'brnig  forth 
*'  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit."  May  the  quiet  of  famiiies, 
the  obedience  of  servants,  .the  kindness  of  masters, 
the  duty  of  children,  and  the  affection  of  parents, 
all  result  from  the  preaching  of  thy  Holy  \\'ord. 
May  the  study  of  the  Sacred  Oracles  employ  their 
leisure,  and  edify  their  minds ;  and  may  it  be  thy 
good  pleasure,  to  ''  make  a  covenant  of  peace 
with  them,  to  set  thy   Sanctuary  in  the  midi»t  of 


328 

them,  that  they  may  be  thy  people,  and  thou  be 
their  God,  in  truth  and  in  righteousness."  Pro- 
duce, I  humbly  implore  thee,  this  conversion  unto 
thee,  this  change  of  will  and  renewal  of  heart,  that 
as  often  as  thou  shalt  call  those  entrusted  to  me,  to 
give  an  account  of  their  conduct,  I  may  have  the 
consolation  of  believing  that  they  have  "  died  in  thy 
faith  and  fear ;  that  their  peace  was  made  with 
thee  ;  and  that  their  names  were  written  in  the 
Book  of  Life!" 

When  I  pray  that  all  the  flock  may  be  thine, 
humbly  and  earnestly  do  I  beseech  thee,  that  the 
Shepherd  may  not  be  abandoned  of  thee.  Let 
not  my  unworthiness  to  minister  at  the  altar,  be 
the  cause  of  my  reprobation  :  but  when  Thou 
shalt  summon  me  to  give  an  account  of  my  stew- 
ardship— of  my  behaviour  as  a  Man^  of  my  piety 
as  a  Christian,  and  of  my  fidelity  as  a  Minister — - 
grant  that  my  soul  maybe  supported  by  faith,  and 
enlivened  with  hope  ;  that  the  retrospect  of  a  life 
passed  in  "  keeping  thy  commandments,"  in 
preaching  thy  word,  and  promoting  thy  Glory,  may 
smooth  the  face  of  death,  and  bereave  the  grave  of 
all  its  terrors. 

And  whilst  I  implore  thy  blessing  on  my  labors, 
and  on  the  people  committed  to  my  charge,  beseech- 
ing thee,  that  our  lives  may  be  holy,  in  order  that 
our  deaths  may  be  happy,  I  pour  out  my  soul  in 
supplications,that  thy  gospel  may  dispense  its  benign 
influence   through  every  land :  may  it   be  faith- 


329 

fully  preached,  and  conscientiously  practised  ;  and 
may  it  be  productive,  in  the  hands  of  all  thy  Mini- 
sters, of  the  everlasting  salvation  of  those  to  whom 
it  is  announced.  May  the  peace  which  it  pro- 
claims, be  universally  established,  and  nation  go  to 
war  with  nation  no  more :  may  the  several  families 
of  the  earth  be  actuated  by  religious  principles  ; 
and  may  concord  and  unanimity,  brotherly  love 
and  Christian  charity,  be  the  distinguishing  cha- 
racteristics of  all  those — to  whatever  sect  they  i^e- 
long,  and  to  whatever  party  they  are  attached — 
"  who  name  the  name  of  Christ." 

Above  all,  I  humbly  entreat  thee,  that  thy  Pro- 
vidence may,  in  an  especial  manner,  be  extended 
over  this  thy  Church,  *'  which  thy  own  right  hand 
hath  planted  ;"  do  thou  be  pleased  to  dwell  in  the 
midst  of  it,  that  it  may  be  called,  ''  the  dwelling 
of  the  truth,  and  the  mountain  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts, 
the  holy  mountain  :  may  the  inhabitants  of  every 
city  and  of  every  place,  go  one  to  another,  saying, 
let  us  go  speedily  to  pray  before  the  Lord,  and  to 
seek  the  Lord  of  Hosts  in  his  holy  Temple  ;" 
may  it  no  longer  be  said  of  any  of  its  members, 
that  "  they  trust  not  in  the  Lord,  and  that  they 
draw  not  near  to  their  God  ;"  but  do  thou,  in  mer- 
cy "  make  of  them  a  name  and  a  praise  among  all 
people  of  the  earth."  May  the  Gospel  be  preached 
in  it,  in  all  its  purity,  and  may  the  lives  of  its  Mi- 
nisters be  its  brightest  ornaments  ;  ''  may  the  law 
of  truth  be  in  their  mouth,  and  let  not  iniquity  be 
found  in  their  lips ;  may  they  walk  before  thee  in 


330 

peace  and  equity,  and  turn  many  away  from  their 
iniquity:"  may  its  worship  be  duly  frequented, 
and  its  Sacraments,  in  particular  the  commemora- 
tion of  our  Redemption,  in  the  Holy  Communion, 
be  religiously  observed  :  may  that  Blessed  Ordi- 
nance be  no  longer  ''  a  stone  of  stumbling"  to  the 
ignorant  ''  and  a  rock  of  offence"  to  the  weak ; 
but  may  the  "  old  men,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of 
the  land,  receive  it  to  their  comfort,"  and  may  it 
no  longer  be  *'the  reproach  of  their  children,  that 
they  go  away  from  the  Heavenly  Feast,  and  do  not 
keep  it  ;"  may  schism  be  extirpated  from  "  the 
habitation  of  thy  House  ;"  and  may  attachment  to 
it,  proceeding  from  a  conviction  of  its  purity  and 
truth,  be  individually  established ;  may  the  voice 
of  joy  and  salvation  be  heard  in  every  dwelling; 
and  may  the  several  families  of  which  this  thy 
Church  is  composed,  erect  an  alter  unto  thee,  and 
may  they  daily  offer  upon  it  "  an  oblation  of  great 
gladness ;  saying,  blessing,  and  glory,  and  wis- 
dom, and  thanksgiving,  and  honour,  and  power, 
and  might,  be  unto  our  God,  for  ever  and  ever, 
Amenl" 


THE  END. 


^  ' 


.'-^^■ 


V  s 


■4 -,  ' 


''■s'. 


